NATCHEZ — Holmes Community College receiver Daniel Huffines is looking to build off his rookie success as he gears up for his sophomore season this fall.

Huffines was named a starter by game two of Holmes’ season this past fall, seeing time at slot receiver and punt returner. Now, the Cathedral High School alumnus is spending his summer evenings lifting weights and running at the school in order to get into shape.

“Right now, I want to get into the best shape I can so I can only worry about the details of the game (at fall camp),” Huffines said. “It will let me focus on the playbook work instead of having to get into shape. I’m hoping to come up there and be a leader for the team and have a great season.”

In fact, it was the technical aspects of the game that was the biggest adjustment for Huffines when he arrived in Goodman last fall.

“I learned a whole bunch about the game — more details and what your real role is as a receiver in all aspects,” Huffines said. “There was a lot to learn, but it definitely makes you better as a player.”

Huffines said spring training went well for him and the team, and each day allowed him to square off against good competition.

“We did it three times a week and competed against the same guys, so if you won one day, you had to come back and win the next day,” Huffines said. “There was a lot of chemistry that was built, and some of the freshmen we signed got there in the spring to try and get a little head start.”

Some of those freshmen even asked Huffines for any secrets to having success early in their college careers.

“I just told them you have to work hard and do your part, and take advantage of opportunities,” Huffines said. “If you do, good things will follow.”

Being back at Cathedral working out has brought back some good memories, Huffines said.

“I miss everything about this school,” Huffines said. “It was the greatest time of my life, and it’s fun to see guys that were in middle school who are now growing up and going to play a big role (for the Cathedral football team).”

Huffines has been sharing the weight room with his former quarterback, Cathedral alumnus Caleb Upton, who plays baseball at Hinds Community College.

“It’s awesome (working with him),” Huffines said. “He has one of the hardest work ethics I’ve been around, and we like to push each other. It’s a lot of fun.”

Huffines is the son of Danny and Lisa Huffines.