[02/06/02]Gentlemen, fire up your fax machines it’s National Signing Day.

A couple of junior college signees from Warren Central are the only real local surprises as prospects across the country begin faxing in national letters of intent to the school of their choice.

Receiver Kacy Jones, who fractured his leg early his senior season, got a good break. He is expected to sign with Hinds Community College today, the first day prospects can sign.

WC’s John Hicks, a bruising 5-foot-11, 230-pound fullback, will continue his playing career under coach Bobby Hall at Northeast Community College in Booneville.

This is the first year that the two-year schools have been allowed to recruit statewide. Each school can “protect” 22 players in its district, but the rest are fair game.

“It’s made things interesting,” WC coach Robert Morgan said, laughing.

WC offensive lineman Josh Brogdon (6-2, 285) will likely sign with Hinds or Itawamba CC. Jeff Terrill, who had been defensive coordinator at Hinds, became head coach at ICC during the offseason.

Receiver/defensive back Carlton Bradford (5-11, 180) will join Jones at Hinds, Morgan said.

WC quarterback Brett Morgan (6-1, 185) and Vicksburg High defensive back David Heard (6-0, 181) will make good on earlier commitments and sign with Mississippi State. They are expected to be the only players in the county to sign with Division I-A schools.

Andre Bennett, VHS’ 6-foot-5, 350-pound guard, will likely sign with Grambling and lineman Charles Wilson (6-3, 307) could join him there. Wilson is also considering Tennessee State and Hinds, VHS coach Alonzo Stevens said.

VHS linebacker Tim Brown (5-11, 235) and cornerback Chris Humes (6-1, 160) are expected to sign with Hinds, too, VHS Stevens said.

Lineman Junior Nix (6-3, 325), linebacker Decorey Knight (5-7, 214) and tight end Walter Warfield (6-2, 210) are still undecided, Stevens said. Vicksburg Post Offensive Player of the Year J.J. Brown may go to Hinds, but is weighing his options. He could be drafted in baseball this summer.

Jones (5-9, 165) was a speedy All-County performer as a junior, with 15 catches for 268 yards and three touchdowns, but he broke his leg in practice after WC’s first game.

“We were expecting a super year out of him,” Robert Morgan said. “There was nothing I wanted more than to see something good happen for him. He spent a lot of hours out here. He worked so hard for it, then he had it taken away.”

His brother, James “Blue” Jones, starred for HCC in the mid-1990s.

Morgan said that Hicks is “making a good move,” with his choice to play for the Tigers.

“Coach Hall is a proven winner,” Morgan said. “He’s won everywhere he’s been. He and John hit it off. (John) could use a fresh start.”

Brett Morgan is the third son of Robert Morgan’s to sign with MSU. He is expected to compete for a spot at quarterback.

The Bulldogs have signed “four good quarterbacks,” Robert Morgan said. “They’ll be battling for third right now.”

Brett Morgan also has potential as a punter and as a defensive back, but he’s been told that he’ll have a good chance to play quarterback. His brother, Josh, was a quarterback in high school but is now a standout safety at MSU.

“All of the quarterbacks they signed are good athletes, so they have options,” Robert Morgan said.