When former Natchez High stand-out Marco Minor transferred from Copiah-Lincoln Community College to Mississippi State last December, he moved from wide receiver to the defensive backfield. There, he played second-string to the Bulldogs’ All-American cornerback Fred Smoot.

Until now.

With Smoot declared academically ineligible to play in Sunday’s Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., against Texas A&M, the junior from Natchez will get his first start as a Bulldog.

&uot;It’s a big opportunity,&uot; Marco said. &uot;It’s a chance to get ready for next season and let people know what I can do in the future.&uot;

Minor said he was told he’d gt the starting nod a few days before practice began in Shreveport, giving him a little time to play with the first-team defense.

Minor has seen limited action in his first season at MSU, although he has played in all 11 games, usually on special teams. In the season opener against Memphis, he recorded one tackle and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Bulldogs.

One might think Minor would be slightly intimidated by making his first start in a high-profile bowl game, a situation made more stressful by his trying to take up the slack of one of the best cornerbacks in the country.

Not a problem, he said.

&uot;I’ve been practicing hard, going over plays, listening to everybody,&uot; Minor said. &uot;I should be able to fill (Smoot’s) shoes.&uot;

In fact, the opportunity to play the role of understudy to Smoot has helped Minor become a better player, he said.

&uot;We’ve practiced together all year and talked about what I need to do. He’s given me a few tips on how to cover people,&uot; Minor said. &uot;It’s a definite plus to have him out there with us.&uot;

Not that Minor minds Smoot’s absence and the opportunity it provides.

&uot;I’ve been working hard since the spring and working to the best of my ability to earn a starting position. Just to play, really,&uot; he said. &uot;As long as I’m playing, I know I’m getting one step closer to the NFL, or wherever God wants me to be.&uot;

Minor isn’t the only reserve being pushed to the front line this week for the Bulldogs. Shawn Birdsong, who has made three starts this season, will start for safety Pig Prater, who is out with a knee injury.

But Minor is confident the Bulldogs will have what it takes to down the Aggies.

&uot;We just have to play hard,&uot; he said. &uot;We do that, and we’ll win.&uot;