Sylvester Hemphill had a few SWAC and community college options coming out of Olive Branch (Miss.) High School two years ago but had his heart set on playing at the highest level.

So the 5-foot-11, 235-pound fullback took a leap of faith accepting a preferred walk-on invitation to Mississippi State and has played in every game for the Bulldogs the past two seasons.

"I wanted to play big time ball so that's why I came here," Hemphill said. "It just felt at home on my visit. They welcomed me with open arms. It just felt like a place where I could see myself playing."

After redshirting in 2008, Hemphill came on strong in Dan Mullen's spread offense paving the way for Anthony Dixon last year and MSU's trio of tailbacks this season playing in 24 consecutive games.

However, his opportunities with the football have been few and far between. Last year he carried three times for five yards in the opener against Jackson State while this year he has two attempts for eight yards and also caught one pass for three yards.



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