Calhoun is ready to report

As a prep senior at Morton (Miss.) High School, 2011 Mississippi State signee Taveze Calhoun did a little of everything. He lined up at running back and receiver on offense and played a pair of positions in the defensive secondary.

He collected 205 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and also had 247 receiving yards and three more scores. He was even more of a playmaker on defense, collecting 26 tackles, six interceptions, eight PBUs and two fumbles caused. At the next level, though, the 6-foot-1 and 180-pound Calhoun plans to remain a 'ball hawk' on defense.

"Mississippi State said they want to try me at corner first," said Calhoun. "They want to see how I do at corner and then go from there. If corner is not my spot, they said they would try me at safety, too. And it doesn't really matter to me where I play. I will play anything the coaches want me to play and I am just playing for them."

Of late, Calhoun has been working overtime in his preparations for the next level, and also secured his academic qualifications.

"I've just been staying in shape with my conditioning and my running," said Calhoun. "I have been following the workout book I got from our strength coach, Coach (Matt) Balis. I remember when I first got that book and I showed it to my high school coach and said 'man, I have to do all this?'. But it's been going good now that I know I am following that workout book.

"I made all my grades and got my ACT score so I am good to go there. I will be there on May 31st. I am not sure who I will room with and it may be a defensive back."

Regarding his journey to MSU, Calhoun was one of State's last commitments for the Class of 2011. He boosted his resume for college suitors following a solid showing during practice for the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star game and later in that game.

With his arrival date to MSU rapidly approaching, Calhoun said it's still hard to believe at times where his journey has taken him over the past year.

"It was hectic," said Calhoun. "I have a lot of people proud of me and I thank God for my opportunity every day. I just want to come to Mississippi State and work hard, do my best and contribute to the team. I always thought I could play at this level but I know it won't be easy.

"I think once I get adjust to it all I will be fine. I have to adjust to the speed of the game and that is the first thing I have to do. And to be honest, I am so excited and I still can't believe it sometimes. People ask me about going to play for Mississippi State and it is hard to believe they are saying that. But I am not taking anything for granted. I am going up there to give relentless effort and prove myself early on."