Juan Joseph
Millsaps College
Peria Jerry
Ole Miss
Michael Oher
Ole Miss
Jackson, MS - (November 25, 2008) – – An historic trio of finalists has been selected by media voters for the 2008 Cellular South Conerly Trophy, Mississippi's most prestigious individual football honor.
The trio includes the first offensive lineman and the first Division 3 finalist in the award's 13-year history along with only the third defensive lineman to be named a finalist. The recipient will be announced at the Clarksdale Country Club in Clarksdale, Miss. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008.
The finalists were selected by a panel of 57 media voters representing radio, television and newspaper sports editors and writers throughout Mississippi. The panel also will select the eventual recipient of the Cellular South Conerly Trophy in a final round of voting.
Finalists are listed in alphabetical order with their most recent statistics:
- Peria Jerry – Ole Miss, senior defensive lineman, Batesville, MS; four-year letterman, pre-season All-SEC; three-time SEC defensive lineman of the week; leads team in tackles for loss (13 – second in the SEC); 4 sacks and tied for 4th in SEC in forced fumbles, despite undergoing knee surgery in August; was on Nagurski and Outland Trophy watch lists.
- Juan Joseph – Millsaps, senior quarterback, Edgard, LA; three-time SCAC offensive player of the year; nationally ranked in several NCAA Division III categories, including total offense (6th; 320 yards per game) and points per game (9th; 19 per game); averaged more than 24 completions a game while completing 67 percent of his passes with 31 touchdowns; intercepted only 6 times in 403 passing attempts.
- Michael Oher – Ole Miss, senior outside linebacker, Memphis, TN; pre-season All-American and All-SEC who is one of the three finalists for the Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the country's top interior lineman; started 45 consecutive games as keystone of offensive line that is third in SEC in total offense and rushing offense while allowing 13 sacks through 11 games; two-time SEC offensive lineman of the week.
Other players receiving votes listed alphabetically: DeAndre Brown USM; Austin Davis USM; Trevar Deed DSU; Garrett DeWitt DSU ; Anthony Dixon MSU; Dominic Douglas MSU; Damion Fletcher USM; Greg Hardy OM; Lardester Hicks-Green DSU; Dexter McCluster OM; Gerald McRath USM; Derek Pegues MSU; Chad Schroeder DSU; Jevan Snead OM; Marcellus Speaks JSU; Mike Wallace OM.
The award is named after the former Clarksdale High School, University of Mississippi and National Football League star, the late Charlie Conerly, who starred for Clarksdale High School and later at Ole Miss where he was an All-America selection.
Widely considered the greatest football player in state history, Conerly went on to play professional football for the New York Giants, leading the team to three NFL championship games in four seasons. In 1956, he led the Giants to a 47-7 win over the Chicago Bears for the coveted NFL championship.
For ticket information, contact the Museum at 1-800-280-FAME (3263) or purchase online at www.msfame.com. All proceeds benefit the private, non-profit Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
About Cellular South
Cellular South is a privately-owned diversified mobile communications company passionately committed to helping customers get the most out of their wireless devices and services. The company accomplishes this goal by providing the most reliable and advanced nationwide wireless voice and data network, offering a full range of industry-leading unlimited flat rate plans, and through the world's first integrated, interactive online and in-store experience that gives customers easy, simple and convenient solutions to all of their wireless lifestyle needs. For more information, visit www.cellularsouth.com.
