Hines of SHS makes choice to play at JSU
A Starkville High School wide receiver’s football career is set to take the next step.
Cameron Hines had multiple options for next season. There was an opportunity to take a chance on junior college first and have bigger options in two years, but he also had a chance to take his talents to a four-year university in the state.
In the end, he chose Jackson State and former Mississippi State safeties coach Tony Hughes as his next destination.
“First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me the talent to play the game of football and all he has done for me thus far,” Hines said in a Twitter statement. “Next I would like to thank my family for all of the sacrifices they have made for me to supporting me at games whether it was home or away. I would like to thank my coaches for believing in me and giving me a chance to show my abilities. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.”
Hines picked the Tigers over options from East Mississippi Community College, Northeast CC, Itawamba CC and more.
A year after getting just 10 catches as a junior and one touchdown, Hines
exploded onto the Class 6A scene as a senior. With new head coach Chris Jones at the helm, the football was in Hines’ hands early and often as he racked up 70 catches for 917 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He was chosen the SDN Athlete of the Week after his five-catch, 161-yard performance
in the playoffs against Horn Lake where he scored twice.
“It was the grace of God,” Hines said. “It’s a big blessing as well as coach (Chris) Jones just giving me a chance. It all starts with the Man upstairs giving me this talent. My main offseason goal was to become a team leader and a big asset to the offense. I’ve been doing that ever since.”
Hines, who officially visited JSU last weekend, will sign with the Tigers in February for the second signing period of the year. The Tigers signed 10 JUCO players in December including three from East Mississippi. Among those was former Noxubee County quarterback Ti’Morrius Conner, wide receiver Calvin Keys and defensive lineman Jauan Collins.