NUNLEY TO PLAY FOOTBALL AT VALLEY COMM. COLLEGE

Derrick Nunley pulls no punches when discussing his feelings toward football.

"I just have a love for playing football," said Nunley.

The love affair appeared like it may have ended when Nunley played his final game for Cape Girardeau Central High School. He finished as the team's second-leading tackler from his linebacker position and the Tigers' third-leading rusher at running back with 65 carries for 400 yards.

But the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder found his playing days extended earlier this week, signing a letter of intent to play this fall at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, Ill.

"This means a lot," said Nunley. "It looked at first like I wouldn't be able to play anymore. This is a big thrill for me. I'm greatful."

Nunley, who has been playing organized football since eighth grade, was a two-year starter for Central at linebacker and earned second-team all conference status at the position his senior year with 87 tackles and two interceptions. He was also on all the special teams.

"He was a rah-rah player," said Central head football coach Jerry Dement. "He played with a lot of heart and enthusiasm and it rubbed off on the kids. He played hard for us all the time."

Nunley said he prefers not to be a leader in title and words, but by his performance.

"I like to be more of a quiet leader," said Nunley.

He said the Illinois Valley coaches are open to playing in him on either offense or defense.

"They're going to work me in where they need help," said Nunley.

Nunley is the third senior Tiger off the 1994 team to move onto the college level. He follows Marcus Duschell (Arkansas State) and Gabe Jenkins (Southeast Missouri State).

Nunley hopes to major in commercial art.