MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Scott, Brown, Clark, Flaggs, Coleman (65th), Bailey, Coleman (29th), Cummings, Denny, Ellis, Fillingane, Perkins, Smith (27th), Akins, Aldridge, Arinder, Baker (74th), Baker (8th), Banks, Barnett, Beckett, Blackmon, Bondurant, Bounds, Broomfield, Buck, Burnett, Calhoun, Chism, Clarke, Cockerham, Compretta, Davis, Dedeaux, Dickson, Eaton, Ellington, Espy, Evans, Fleming, Formby, Franks, Fredericks, Frierson, Gadd, Gardner, Gibbs, Gregory, Guice, Gunn, Hamilton (109th), Hamilton (6th), Harrison, Hines, Holland, Holloway, Horne, Howell, Huddleston, Hudson, Ishee, Janus, Jennings, Johnson, Lane, Lott, Malone, Markham, Martinson, Masterson, Mayhall, Mayo, McBride, McCoy, Middleton, Miles, Mims, Moak, Montgomery, Moore, Morgan, Moss, Myers, Nicholson, Norquist, Palazzo, Parker, Patterson, Peranich, Read, Reed, Reeves, Reynolds, Robinson (63rd), Robinson (84th), Rogers (14th), Rogers (61st), Rotenberry, Shows, Simpson, Smith (39th), Smith (59th), Snowden, Staples, Stevens, Straughter, Stringer, Sullivan, Thomas, Turner, Upshaw, Vince, Walley, Ward, Warren, Watson, Weathersby, Wells-Smith, Whittington, Woods, Young, Zuber
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ATHLETIC SUCCESS OF BRADFORD BLACKMON AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON BEING NAMED PLAYER OF THE YEAR ON THE CLARION-LEDGER ALL-METRO FOOTBALL TEAM.
WHEREAS, St. Andrew's senior Bradford Blackmon, has stamped his name in the school's record book and in the hearts of the Saints' faithful supporters throughout a year of most spectacular and eye-catching play, catapulting him to the top position of being named Player of the Year on The Clarion-Ledger All-Metro Football Team; and
WHEREAS, the legacy and mind-boggling numbers left behind by this do-everything star is one that falls nothing short of simply astonishing, as Bradford has amassed an eye-popping 9,364 all-purpose yards in his career, by completing 716 rushes for 5,553 rushing yards, catching 98 passes for 1,986 receiving yards and 106 touchdowns, including 30 this season when he led the Saints to the Class 2A semifinals--the deepest playoff run in school history; and
WHEREAS, Bradford has been described by his coach, David Bradberry, as being the singular player of any program he has ever coached, to have such an impact on winning, evidenced by his 106 career touchdowns, ranking him third on the state's all-time list and trailer of such notables as former Weir star, Dicenzo Miller, with 118 and ex-Lumberton back, Terry Grant with 115; and
WHEREAS, undisputedly a very gifted and talented athlete, Bradford's honors and awards have served notice to the state and regional high schools and collegiate scouts that he is a force to be reckoned with, including: having been named as team most valuable player for each year beginning 2003 through 2006; named to the Madison County Herald All-County Team for each year beginning 2003 through 2006; named to the First Team All-District 6-2A in 2003; named to Second Team All-State 2A and most valuable offensive player for District 6-2A in 2004; named to the All-District Boys' Basketball Team District 6-2A, First Team All-Metro, First Team All-State 2A, Most Valuable Player for District 6-2A and BankPlus Blitz 16 Player of the Week in 2005; and First Team All-State 2A, First Team All-State Overall, Most Valuable Offensive Player State 2A, BankPlus Blitz 16 All-Metro Player of the Year, nominated for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award and named to The Orlando Florida Sentinel Newspaper All-Southern Football Team; and
WHEREAS, standing 5 feet 9 inches and weighing in at 170 lbs., Bradford, who is a hero among heroes in the eyes of the throng of elementary students who mob him after each game, is destined to be remembered for his exploits on the field, but the demeanor exhibited off the field, is what will be remembered most by those who look up to him as a role model and a teammate; and
WHEREAS, humble in his decorum in the face of athletic stardom, Bradford who has been sought after by Jackson State University, and Ivy League members, Columbia and Pennsylvania, credits his fellow teammates and the team effort for making it all possible, which speaks volumes of his athletic tenacity, skill and versatility as well as his academic success as an honor student from Grades K-12; and
WHEREAS, during Bradford's tenure as a member of the St. Andrew's Episcopal Football Team from 2003-2006, the Saints compiled a record of 35-13, going undefeated with a 10-0 record in 2004 and a record of 9-1 for the 2006 season; and
WHEREAS, as Bradford has garnered a myriad of supporters and well-wishers on the state and regional level, he promises to catch the eye of millions nationwide as a new Quaker upon having committed to the University of Pennsylvania in the Ivy League; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence as exhibited by scholar-athletes such as Bradford Blackmon, whose dynamic and unrivaled athleticism coupled with his gentle nature and academic achievement exemplifies talent and character beyond measure:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the athletic and academic success of Bradford Blackmon, congratulate him upon being named Player of the Year on The Clarion-Ledger All-Metro Football Team and express heartfelt wishes for continued success in all of his athletic and academic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bradford Blackmon, St. Andrew's School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.