McPhetridge is looking to improve

Powell (Tenn.) High School's Dustin McPhetridge eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau on the ground and through the air last fall as a junior. The 6-foot-2 and 220-pound junior signal caller also helped lead his team to an undefeated regular season.

Looking ahead to this fall, McPhetridge is looking to lead his team to further advancement in the playoffs.

"We start spring in a week and we're all ready," said McPhetridge. "I really need to work on my footwork, reading defenses better and getting faster. I just want to improve in all areas - run game and passing game - and help us make a bigger run next year.

"Last year our running game was awesome and that is where our strength was. We had some good passing games but we really focused on the run and our defense was solid, too. We went 10-0 in the regular season and lost in the second round of the playoffs. So we want to do a lot better than that this year."

On the recruiting scene, McPhetridge is begging to garner Division I interest and expects to hear more later this year.

"Mississippi State, Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky are showing interest," said McPhetridge. "Mississippi State just started showing interest and they've been calling my coaches about me. I have talked to my recruiting coach from there, Coach Angelo Mirando, and they said they want me at their summer camp. So I look forward to that. I am also going to camp at Middle Tennessee State, too. I am going to other camps but those are the only two I know of for sure right now."

And earlier this month, McPhetridge got an up-close view of the Bulldogs. McPhetridge unofficially visited MSU and along with his parents, he was able to attend the Maroon and White spring game.

"It was great and I really loved the campus," said McPhetridge. "It was a great experience to visit them and it was all pretty cool. I was amazed at how big the campus was and that really stuck out to me. I like their spread offense and their coaches were all nice to me and made me feel welcome. No doubt I look forward to seeing more of their program this summer at camp."