Marco Minor watched Mississippi State struggle offensively most of the year and could only envision what might have been — or even better, what will be.

Minor committed to play at Mississippi State during his senior year at Natchez High.

But the 6-foot-4 receiver/defensive backs signed with Copiah-Lincoln Community College when he came up just short of being academically eligible to play as a freshman at a Division I-A school.

Minor is now set to graduate from Co-Lin this month and will sign with the Bulldogs officially this time.

Minor was the second-leading receiver on the Co-Lin team, finishing with 20 catches for 197 yards. He was behind former Natchez teammate Clarence Parker, who led the Wolves with 31 catches for 449 yards.

Parker, who will also graduate this month, is being heavily recruited by several schools.

Minor averaged 24.6 yards a catch.

&uot;It was an all right year,&uot; he said. &uot;There were a lot of ups and downs. There’s been a lot of pressure.&uot;

Minor, who was second team all-state as a defenisve back in high school and first team All-Metro as a kick returner, is being talked to about playing offense and defense at State.

&uot;It really doesn’t matter where I play because I did both at Natchez High,&uot; Minor said. &uot;Going to Co-Lin. It opened up my eyes to the newness of the game. On offense you have to realize the different things they are doing on defense. And everybody is much faster and quicker. You have to really be prepared each time out.&uot;

Minor said Co-Lin has helped him off the field as well.

&uot;I’ve brought up my grades and I believe I’m a better person,&uot; he said. &uot;It really opened my eyes to what the future holds for me.&uot;

Minor said he feels like he can start next year for State.

&uot;I just have to bring my game up to the next level,&uot; said the Co-Lin receiver, who runs a 4.4 in the 40. State finished the regular season 9-2.

&uot;They did all right, but they could have done better offensively,&uot; he said. &uot;I think if I would have been there with Kelvin (Love), it would have given them two big receivers to go to. I think it would have made State play a faster game.&uot;

Minor said he is looking forward to the challenge in Starkville.

&uot;But right now I’m concentrating on graduating and bringing up my grades,&uot; he said. &uot;That’s what really matters right now.&uot;