re: Neville HC Mickey McCarty talks about DB Laurence Jones via BBI

He got the ball a lot against McDonough in the semis last year and moved the pile against a big defense. I imagine he'll play on offense if they need him next year, but they're more than capable at RB and QB. I agree that a Hootie show on offense would be fun to watch, though.

What's he about 6'2" 175-180? Always hard to tell in that all black.

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What's he about 6'2" 175-180? Always hard to tell in that all black.

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He's probably about 6-6'1 and around 190-195. He's nothing but muscle. He looks D1 all the way. He's going to get SEC offers, I bet.

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Watch Andre Fuller get his chance to shine next season at QB

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Fuller could be Neville's next Diarse

Neville didn’t just lose 2012’s Mr. Football when John Diarse took his game to LSU. The school lost a three-year starter under center that led the Tigers to a Class 4A state championship in 2011 and a title game appearance in 2012.

No doubt Diarse left big shoes to fill for the man that follows him. If the spring was any indication, that man could be senior Andre’ Fuller.

“We wear the same size shoe, so it’s not hard to fill them,” Fuller said. Though he was only joking, his play shows his confidence is well placed.

The similarities between Diarse and Fuller don’t end with the size 14 cleats. Fuller showed flashes of the dual-threat skills that made Diarse so deadly during Neville’s spring game against West Monroe a week ago.

Fuller led the Tigers on a 95-yard drive, capped by a touchdown he ran in himself. He also demonstrated he could throw the ball as he and receiver Kavontae Turpin combined to slash the Rebel secondary.

“It felt good. The whole offense felt good that drive,” Fuller said.

While Fuller took the most snaps with the first team during the spring game, Neville coach Mickey McCarty isn’t ready just yet to name him the Tiger quarterback.

Fuller has juniors J.T. Jackson and Chance Clowers nipping at his heels, and McCarty intends to keep the quarterback battle going throughout the summer.

“He’s got to go through the summer,” McCarty said. “If he’s the guy, I want him to earn it.”

McCarty admits Fuller is “ahead of the the pack” for now, partly because of his versatility. Fuller played quarterback on the freshman team, but as a varsity player, he’s spent time on the defense and at receiver.

“For us, Andre’s athleticism really stands out,” McCarty said. “He gives us that dual-threat quarterback we’ve had some success with.”

Fuller’s athleticism is already bringing in the college offers. ULM offered him a scholarship Thursday afternoon. Fuller said he’s also received offers from Arkansas State and McNeese State. He hasn’t accepted any of them.

Should he find a spot somewhere other than quarterback while he’s still with Neville, Fuller said he’ll play wherever his team needs him because he loves the game.

“If coach told me to play right tackle, I’d go play it,” Fuller said.

McCarty said replacing stars is a way of life in high school football and recognizes replacing Diarse is a tall task.

“We put a lot on our quarterback, and they know that,” McCarty said.

McCarty added that all of his quarterback candidates bring a very high level of play and each has a very high football IQ. Regardless of who winds up under center this fall, McCarty said the quarterback will have plenty of talent around him to help him out.

Fuller said of all the positions on the field he has played, he’s most comfortable at quarterback. His goal now is to prove to his coaches he belongs to be there this season.

“I have to keep proving I’m that guy and can lead this team,” Fuller said. “It’s been a big competition. I’m trying to be my best and do what I do best: play football.”