Walley follows dream
Greene County (Miss.) tight end Gus Walley was given a goal by the Mississippi State staff, and at the Big Dawg Camp Friday night, the 6-foot-4 and 220-pound Walley showed his could accomplish that goal.
The end result was Walley getting a Mississippi State offer on Saturday morning and Walley committing to Mississippi State in the Class of 2012.
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Walley became the 11th commitment for MSU in the Class of 2012 and the eighth in-state commitment.
"I talked to Coach Dan Mullen about 15 minutes ago and he told me I did well at camp," said Walley. "He told me I showed that I could gain the needed weight and that I had a scholarship. So I quickly committed and he said it was great and welcomed me to the family."
Walley also had offers from Southern Miss, UAB and Louisiana-Lafayette. But growing up a Bulldog fan, Walley said all he was waiting on was his "dream" offer.
"It was amazing when Coach Mullen said I had an offer," said Walley. "My family was very happy and it was a dream come true. It is just a great feeling.
"I left camp last night feeling like I would get an offer. I felt I could have done better but I did well overall. The coaches kept telling me I was a great athlete so that gave me confidence (about getting an offer)."
As a junior last year, Walley had 50 catches for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns. And making plays in the passing game is what he plans to do at the next level in MSU's offensive attack.
"I like the way they use the tight ends in their offense," said Walley. "They spread them out wide a lot and get them active in the offense."
Now Walley said he can fully turn his attention to his senior season, and that includes helping Greene County reach the state championship game.
"After I committed Coach Mullen was telling me things about preparing for my senior year," said Walley. "And I am focused on winning a state championship and then getting up to Mississippi State."