SIGNED, SEALED AND READY TO DELIVER; JACKSON'S HALL LEADS AREA FOOTBALL RECRUITS

Jackson all-state lineman J.P. Hall led a group of six local student-athletes Wednesday morning to officially sign letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic careers next season.

Hall, a 6-4, 260-pound offensive and defensive lineman for the 11-1 Indians, signed with the University of Missouri Tigers as a defensive lineman. Hall's signing marked the first time an area football player has signed with a Division I program since former Jackson standout Nathan Norman signed with the University of Arkansas in 1996. Norman was the Razorbacks' starting fullback this past season.

"As far as I can remember, we've only had two players at Jackson recruited to play at big-time Division I schools," said Jackson head football coach Carl Gross. "We've had a couple walk-on and play, but it's nice to have these big-time schools come in and appreciate the ability of your kids."

Two other Jackson teammates joined Hall in officially declaring their college choices. Running back Devree Flint (6-1, 205) and defensive lineman Kent Langston (6-3, 215) both signed to play for John Mumford and the Division I-AA Southeast Missouri State University Indians.

Mumford also nabbed Cape Central linebacker Tatum Kitchen (6-1, 215) to play for the Indians. Kitchen, after reportedly getting late interest from Northwestern of the Big 10, made his decision official along with teammates Justin Blackmon and Gabe Wunderlich.

Blackmon, a 5-8, 175-pound running back, is headed to NAIA Evangel Christian College in Springfield. Wunderlich, a 6-5, 200-pound punter-tight end, signed with Kemper Military Junior College in Booneville.

But the biggest news of the day was Hall's signing with the resurgent Missouri program. Hall turned down a visit to the University of Iowa and an offer from Arkansas State to sign with the Tigers, who made their first bowl appearance since 1983 this past season.

"I really liked the football program when I was up there," said Hall, whose parents are Mizzou alumni. "They're going nowhere but up."

If the Mizzou coaching staff has anything to do about it, so will Hall's weight. Hall is expected to redshirt his first year and hit the weight room and training table hard.

Said Hall: "They (the coaches) said they would put 20 to 30 pounds on me my redshirt freshman year."

Hall, who plans to major in education, will need the extra weight battling on the Tigers' defensive line. Considering he was a Class 5A first-team, all-state selection on the offensive line, Hall is a bit surprised he'll be playing on the defensive side of the ball.

"I didn't expect that," Hall said, "but (the coaches) said I was quick enough to play defensive line."

Gross doesn't doubt Hall's ability to succeed after a year of seasoning as a redshirt.

"If J.P. works and develops like everybody hopes and thinks he will he'll be successful at Missouri," Gross said. "It's going to come with hard work. He's not ready yet, but if he keeps working I think he will be."

* Blackmon and Wunderlich will also be moving away from the local scene after distinguished careers at Central.

After back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, Blackmon is headed for a successful program at Evangel. The Bearcats have made the national playoffs the last two years, reaching the NAIA semifinals this past season.

Wunderlich, an all-district punter the last two seasons, is hoping to find success at the junior college level and then move onto a bigger school. He's also hoping to play some tight end at Kemper.

"I'm real pleased with those guys' effort and performance, not only on the field, but in the classroom," said Central head football coach Jerry Dement of his three seniors, including Kitchen. "They were all good contributors to our program and we wish them a lot of success."