Dalton’s Hendrix opts for JUCO route

Published 11:27 pm Wednesday, June 28, 2006

For Dalton High School graduate Pierre Hendrix, home sweet home will be in Highland, Kan.

For now, anyway.

The Catamounts’ two-year starter at defensive end has signed a letter of intent to play football at Highland Community College in the fall. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound playmaker hopes he can catch some attention from Division I coaches and ascend the next rung on the ladder.

Hendrix will be heading to Kansas on Saturday to begin the second semester of summer school.

“I like my choice because I can come in and do my job right away,” said Hendrix, who has been promised a starting position. “I have something I can build on so I can transfer.

“I look at it as a baby step. Ultimately, I would like to play (professionally).”

Small though it is, Highland CC has provided a springboard in the past. The Scotties have produced seven NFL players, including Trumane Bell, a running back who made the jump from Highland to Nebraska in 1990.

Bell played on two Big Eight Conference championship teams and participated in two Orange Bowls with the Cornhuskers. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1994.

“It’s a good thing for me,” said Hendrix, who had 57 tackles and 10 sacks for the Region 7-4A champion Cats last fall. “I think it was natural for me to be worried (when no schools came calling) … but I prayed a lot and this worked out for me.”

Dalton head coach Ronnie McClurg credited Hendrix for being a visible and vocal leader for the squad’s fierce defense. Playing in junior college is a good start for Hendrix, said McClurg.

“Pierre has a future ahead of him and he’s going to get better with more experience,” the coach said. “It was a wise decision. He’s a fine young man and a good leader and we wish him the very best out there. We know he’ll do well.”

Hendrix plans to major in business communications. He is the third member of the 2005 Catamounts to sign a letter to play college football. Stephaun Raines (Tennessee) and Pedro Fraire (Austin Peay) are the others.