Cellular South Conerly Winners Prominent as Season Nears End

Jackson, MS - (January 24, 2008) – Five former Cellular South Conerly Trophy winners have posted banner years as the NFL season nears its climax. The media-selected honor has annually gone to Mississippi's top college football player since 1996.

Still playing are New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning , the awards only two-time winner (2001, 2003), who will face 1999 finalist Adalius Thomas , a starting defensive lineman for undefeated New England,in Super Bowl XLII. Manning attended Ole Miss while Thomas starred at USM.

2006 Cellular South Conerly Trophy recipient Patrick Willis, also an Ole Miss product, led the NFL in tackles his rookie season in San Francisco and earned AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in the process.

Atlanta running back Jerious Norwood , the 2005 recipient, was the number two rusher and leading kick returner for the Falcons last season. Norwood is Mississippi State's all-time rushing leader.

Falcons' teammate, linebacker Michael Boley was the 2004 Cellular South Conerly Trophy winner. Boley, who played at USM, tied for the team lead in tackles.

About Cellular South

With a nationwide wireless voice and data network, Cellular South is committed to providing plans, products, applications that allow consumers to rely on wireless service in every way. Cellular South is a wireless carrier leader in m-commerce technology availability and adoption with its next-generation mobile payment products, such as Obopay, Cellfire mobile coupons and mobile ticketing. For more information, visit www.cellularsouth.com.