NATCHEZ — When Dudley Guice Jr. was a freshman at Northwestern State he longed for a Delaney Bowl MVP.

Now, four seasons later, not only does the standout receiver possess that which he wanted, but he’s poised to make another splash in the Southland Conference as a versatile offensive player for the Demons.

As a junior last season, Guice was an all-purpose threat. He recorded 84 yards and two scores rushing, completed his only pass-attempt for a 48-yard completion and was the Demons’ main return man.

Although Guice seems to be able to do it all, he wants you to know he’s a receiver first — having recorded 28 receptions for a team-best 430 yards and four touchdowns.

In high school he had committed to Mississippi State his junior year. However, when Sylvester Croom replaced Jackie Sherrill as head coach and wanted Guice to play in the secondary “in the best interests of the program,” the former Trinity Saint began looking at other options.

“It kind of hurt, I wanted to play receiver (at State),” Guice said. “I feel I was good enough to play in the secondary. It was OK, but I didn’t love it. I love playing receiver.

“I had a lot of big schools looking at me — Oregon, SWAC schools.”

After weighing his options, Guice decided it was in his best interest to attend Northwestern State.

“Dudley did most of the recruiting for us,” Northwestern State head coach Scott Stoker said. “You’ve got to get lucky every now and then.”

“I can see what Sylvester was thinking,” Stoker said, commenting on the possibilities of having a 6-foot-3 cornerback. However, the idea of having a big wide-out who can block and catch was too good to pass up for the Demons coach.

At 6-foot-3 and 217 pounds, covering Guice can be a daunting task for opposing cornerbacks.

“I respect my opponent, but I’m confident in my God given ability,” Guice said. “I demand the ball and I feel that when the ball is in the air it’s mine.”

Because of his blend of speed and size, it’s “hard for corners to get up and press him,” Northwestern State offensive coordinator Slade Nagle said.

Guice and his coaches are hoping he can parlay a successful 2007 season, and the Delaney Bowl MVP honors, into a big 2008 season.

Guice says he’s formed a bond with transfer-quarterback John Hundley in NSU’s spring game and could be his go-to receiver.

In the game, Hundley’s first game since transferring from UL-Lafayette, the two connected for 121 yards and three touchdowns.

“I think (Guice) can be a great player for us,” Nagle said. “He’s been really, really good, but I think he can be great…. He can be the guy who can turn a game around; week-in and week-out.”

“(Guice’s success in the Delaney Bowl) is something he’s capable of doing every Saturday afternoon,” Stoker added.

Even though they’re in the off-season, Guice is preparing for a big senior campaign.

“Usually this time of the season I’m just trying to stay in shape, watching game film,” Guice said. “I like to critique myself a lot.”

The Northwestern State Demons kick-off their 2008 campaign August 20 when they host Texas A&M – Commerce.