But sometimes you have to do what is in your best interest.
"After
thinking things over, I just think Ole Miss is the best place for me. It is just
the better fit," commented Jamariey Atterberry.
The
Rebels had one thing working for them, and that was the fact that they had signed
Atterberry's cousin, Terry Levy, last year.
"My
and Terry are real close, and that did play a role in my decision, but I would
have picked Ole Miss with or without Terry. But yea, I just think it made it easier
having someone from my family being with me for the college experience."
What
was Atterberry's reaction when the NCAA ruled Terry ineligible?
"I
told him to take care of his business at his (Butler) juco next year so he can
have a roommate the year after. We will have three years to play together so it
wsa no big thing for me (with him being ruled ineligibile)."
Jamariey
took in an unofficial visit to Ole Miss back in the summer to make sure he was
making the right decision with his MSU commitment.
"I went over there
with Terry to look over their Sports Medicine program. That is what I want to
major in. I have already been over to Ole Miss a few times to look at their athletic
facilities, but that visit was more about their academic issues than anything
else. They have top notch facilities in both their sports and academic center.
I met with their academic advisor, and she really went over everything in depth
with me. She answered all of my questions. That was all I needed to know."
But
it was not until his official visit that sealed the deal for him to commit to
Ole Miss.
"Man, the visit really solidified my decision. I pretty
much had my mind made up before I came, but I wanted to bring my parents with
me for them to get a look at Ole Miss. My mom loved Ole Miss and my stepfather
did too. Coaches Orgeron and (Tony) Hughes came to my house this past Monday,
and they answered a lot of the questions my parents had about their school. Then
this weekend just kind of put the icing on the cake. They just have a great academic
program, and they make sure their players stay on top of their grades. Football
wise, they need some help at cornerback (next year), and they think I have a great
chance to make an impact for them there next year. And I am going to be getting
up there at the right time. They are bringing in another nationally ranked class
like they did this year. They played all of those close games with those freshmen
last year. When we get up there, we are going to be that much better. They really
stress about winning the national championship at Ole Miss, and I want to be a
part of that."
Atterberry had a very close relationship with Coach
Croom from MSU which makes the decision that much harder.
"I have
all the respect for that man. I really do. He is such a great person, as well
as a coach. I will always pull for MSU until we play them. MSU is a good school,
and they have a lot of things going on for their program too. I really think Coach
Croom is going to do a good job there, but I have to go to the school that is
best for me, and Ole Miss is that school."
In 2005, Jamariey rushed
the ball 70 times for 505 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for
388 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The 2006 season saw him rush the ball 93 times
for 850 yards and 14 rushing TD's. At receiver, Jamariey totaled 21 catches for
405 yards and 1 TD.<Br><Br>On the defensive side of the ball,
where he is projected to play on the next level, Atterberry had 6 interceptions
and 17 pass breakups.<Br><Br>
Atterberry has received scholarship
offers from LSU, MSU, USM, Ole Miss, and Alabama..
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