By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
May 29, 2003
Lamar High School's Roland Terry would have made every Mississippi State University game, since the Bulldogs dropped the Florida Gators 47-35 in the 2000 season, if it wasn't for a motor mishap on the road this year.
The junior's transmission gave out on his truck on his way to Starkville to watch the MSU/Tennessee game on Nov. 16.
Terry will not have to worry about his engine keeping him from any Bulldogs' games in 2004.
The Raiders offensive tackle and defensive end verbally committed to play for head coach Jackie Sherrill, after his senior season.
It is a decision the young grid-iron warrior said was a no brainer for him.
The Queen City product's journey to the NCAA Division I ranks took more than just a dream though.
Lamar line coach Willie McNeil said Terry had a lot of work cut out for him when he first stepped onto the high school playing field.
The extra work paid off for Terry.
He has filled out his 6-foot-7 frame with 245 pounds, though he wants to add about 20 more pounds before he gets to MSU, and he caught the eye of MSU's Curley Hallman.
Terry's hard work over the year's in both the high school weight room and between the field's hash marks were also evident at this year's spring practice.
His work also garnered a lofty comparison for the teenage player.
The prospect of playing at MSU, where Terry plans to major in engineering, will not slow him down on the field this season.