Gaining SEC offers

Spring practice for Provine (Jackson, Miss.) is still nearly a month away. But junior offensive tackle Cordarrly Gaines already has his to-do list for those practice sessions.

Last year, Gaines and Provine advanced to the first round of the Class 5A playoffs but seek a deeper run in 2011. For that to happen, said Gaines, that journey must begin this spring.

"We start near the end of April and we all look forward to starting off our senior season the right way," said the 6-foot-5 and 320-pound Gaines. "That is when you have to start getting prepared and carry it over to the fall.

"Personally, I want to keep getting my speed down and become quicker. I am still getting stronger, too, and I want to stay on my blocks longer this year. Basically, I just want to dominate on every play."

Over the past few weeks, Gaines has taken in a couple of junior day experiences and has more lined up for next month. Gaines noted he currently holds offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee and Arkansas State.

"I went to junior day at Mississippi State and also at Southern Miss," said Gaines. "I am also going to Ole Miss junior day on April 2nd and I look forward to that, too.

"It was nice to get those SEC offers and good to know they are looking at me. But you have to get there first in high school and show people I am ready for that league that is the best in the country."

And Gaines added that his previous experiences at junior days have gone as well as planned.

"At Mississippi State I felt like I was at home," said Gaines. "I have been there so much and people already know me there. It is a good environment and they are one of the main schools I am looking at the most. I plan to go back later this spring and watch more of their spring practice.

"Southern Miss junior day was also good, too. They treated me like family and made me feel at home and real comfortable."

Gaines pointed out despite his early options that he is in no hurry to make his college decision known any time soon. He said he was still in the process of getting to know all these programs and coaching staffs.

"I am really not sure if I will make an early decision," said Gaines. "It can get kinda confusing talking to all these schools and just trying to see where you fit in the best. But I am looking at all these coaching staffs and seeing how the players act around their coaches. I am also looking for a good education and school atmosphere. You just want to find that program that can make you a better person, a better student and a better player."