One Former Bulldog still standing in NFL Playoffs

Three former Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College standouts had their eyes on Super Bowl XLIX this past weekend, but only one, Chris White, still has a chance to make it all the way.  White's team, the New England Patriots, defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the AFC divisional playoffs Saturday.

MGCCC fans were riveted to television sets watching the fierce game between the rivals Saturday, cheering for both sides since Terrence Cody and Tramain Jacobs play for the Ravens.  Next weekend promises to be almost as intense with White and the top-seeded Patriots (13-4) taking on the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC title game on Sunday.

Bert Pickard, MGCCC dean of Athletics, encourages Gulf Coast fans to watch Sunday's game to support White.  "We are very proud of these guys and hope that everyone was able to watch the game this past weekend. The MGCCC athletic family would like to wish Chris the best of luck as his team plays in the AFC title game. All three of these young men continue to represent MGCCC very well with their God-given talents and work ethic."

Cody and White were both part of the defensive squad that helped win a piece of the NJCAA National Championship back in 2007, Cody as a sophomore nose guard and White as a freshman linebacker. That year, Gulf Coast capped off a perfect 12-0 season with a 62-68 win over Kilgore College in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl.

That same year, Cody was named an NJCAA All-American. At 6 foot 4 inches and 360 pounds, he next went to Alabama where he helped win another national championship, earned All-American twice and also earned the nickname "Mount Cody." He was taken 57th overall in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2010 by the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, he's put up 87 tackles (45 solo). Three of those tackles came during the Ravens' playoff run in 2012-13 when they won Super Bowl XLVII.

Chris White came to New England via Starkville and Buffalo, but before that, he played in Perkinston. While he was at Gulf Coast, he racked up a string of accomplishments, including first-team All-American and first-team All-Region XXIII in 2009. In 2008, White played in the inaugural Mississippi Bowl, where he was selected Mississippi Most Valuable Player. He was also named first-team pre-season All-America by the NJCAA.  During Saturday's game with the Patriots, White made two combined tackles against the Ravens.

Tramain Jacobs, or 'Otis' as he's known in the MACJC, played at MGCCC in 2010-2011.  Jacobs was a monster for Gulf Coast, where he posted 34 tackles, 13 passes defended, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown), and amassed 616 yards and another touchdown on 28 punt and kickoff returns. He also made two Mississippi Bowl appearances.

"These three incredible young men are all outstanding athletes and individuals, and it was a pleasure to have worked with them as students here at Gulf Coast," said Chad Huff, MGCCC head football coach.  "We wish Chris best of luck this weekend.  We would love to see him go all the way to the Super Bowl."