House Concurrent Resolution 79

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. TERRENCE METCALF FOR HIS OUTSTANDING FOOTBALL CAREER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI AND UPON BEING SELECTED AS A FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN FOR THE 2001 SEASON.

WHEREAS, in 1997, Mr. Terrence Metcalf, as a true freshman, began his Rebel football career in outstanding fashion by filling big holes in the University of Mississippi offensive line, having started all 12 games for the Rebels and finished the season being selected as co-Offensive Player of the Year by the Rebel Club of Jackson; and

WHEREAS, at the beginning of the 1998 University of Mississippi football season, Metcalf was rated as one of the nation's best offensive linemen and was looking to propel himself to the top of that list until a third game season-ending injury would prove to sideline him for the remainder of the 1998 campaign; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Metcalf's determination and perseverance allowed him to come back strong in 1999, when he became a dominant force in the trenches which resulted in the Rebels averaging over 180 yards rushing per game, second in the Southeastern Conference and gave Mr. Metcalf even more national attention by being named second team All-American; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Metcalf's leadership on the 2000 Rebel offensive line, which allowed the fewest sacks in the Southeastern Conference and third fewest in the entire nation, insured him a first team spot on the All-Southeastern Conference Football Team for 2000; and

WHEREAS, coming into his final season being rated the nation's third best offensive lineman, Mr. Metcalf was presented the J. Richard Price Courage and Compassion Award by his coaches for demonstrating extraordinary courage and compassion to his teammates and to the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, being recognized in 2001 as one of the nation's most intimidating offensive linemen Mr. Metcalf lived up to his reputation, allowing just one sack in 11 games and anchoring an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the entire Southeastern Conference; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Metcalf ended his college career much the way he began it, with excellence, as he was named the Southeastern Conference Most Valuable Lineman and was selected as a member of the first team All-Southeastern Conference; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Metcalf received further national attention for being selected as a first team All-American and earned the privilege of playing in the 2002 Senior Bowl; and

WHEREAS, exemplifying sportsmanship, dedication and excellence, Mr. Metcalf, with his God-given abilities, will be given the opportunity to continue his football career in the National Football League, where he will be a beacon of light and hope for all of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds it most appropriate to recognize unique individuals whose work ethic and devotion can be a model for all Mississippians:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Terrence Metcalf for his outstanding college football career and on being named to the 2001 All-American Team and extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Terrence Metcalf, the University of Mississippi and the Capitol Press Corps.