By Staff
Hartselle linebacker to be a Gamecock
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
All-State linebacker Ben Atchison announced last week he would attend Jacksonville State University in the fall to play football.
A leader of the Hartselle defense, the middle linebacker recorded 136 tackles in 2002.
Heading to JSU and playing NCAA Division 1-AA football was for the best, according to Atchison.
"This is the best thing for my situation," he said. "It's (JSU) fairly close to home, and close to all my family so everybody can watch."
The Gamecocks finished the 2002 season with a 5-6 record, beating the likes of Alabama A &M, Samford and Northwestern State.
Atchison entertained offers from Tennessee Tech, Wofford, Samford and the University of Tennessee-Chatanooga before deciding on JSU.
"I actually haven't been over there yet," Atchison said of JSU. "Coach (Mike) Smith said he thought it would be the best place for me to go. So, I'm kind of going on what everybody's told me."
Atchison referred to JSU being close to home continually, as it is important to him his family see him play.
For the 2003 season, JSU has added the University of Kansas to its schedule. The Gamecocks will open at Alabama A &M before hosting North Alabama. JSU will travel to Samford later in the season.
The Gamecocks are a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, including the likes of Samford, Eastern Kentucky and Southeastern Missouri State.
See ATCHISON, B-3