By REED DESALVO

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — On the basketball court, Jardarius Anderson is known for his slick passes and distributing the basketball at will in racking up the assists.

But on the gridiron, the Cathedral High School standout strikes fear into the opposition from the wide receiver position, using an intriguing blend of athleticism and skill to punish opponents.

Anderson turned those abilities into a college scholarship as he signed last Wednesday with Southwest Mississippi Community College.

“It was a good day,” Anderson said. “I really want to play college football.”

Anderson said he chose the Bears over strong interest from MACJC power East Mississippi Community College.

“The coaches really get to know everyone really well,” he said. “Most college coaches are only going to show you a lot of interest if you’re a big-time recruit. But it wasn’t like that with them. They showed me a lot of interest.”

Anderson said he is excited about the direction the SMCC football team is heading and the dedication the administration is putting into the program.

“I enjoy hanging out with the (current) players, and the new dorms are real nice,” he said. “They’re getting new helmets this year, and they’re always continuing to add things to make it a bigger and better program. They’re putting it together piece by piece.”

While Anderson is excited about his potential prospects at the next level, the 5-foot-11 receiver said he will always cherish the special memories he made at Cathedral.

“Bringing a state championship back to Cathedral (in 2014), I’ll always remember that,” Anderson said. “I think we could have won another one this year, but it didn’t happen.

“I’m just really ready to step up to the next level. I’m excited for what’s next, and I think everything is going to work out.”

Anderson is the son of Amber Anderson and Antonio Robinson.

Fleming headed to Louisiana Tech

NATCHEZ — Dee Fleming had been waiting on making his college decision for a long time.

Last Wednesday, Fleming’s wait came to an end.

The Cathedral High School star running back accepted a preferred walk-on spot at Louisiana Tech.

“It was a really exciting day,” Fleming said. “It’s a day that I had been anticipating since I was a young child — watching the older sign and move on. It was a great experience.”

Fleming chose the Ruston-based campus over scholarship offers from Robert Morris University and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

“The school in general caught my attention,” Fleming said. “The attention they pay to academics, the home feeling I got, and the coaching staff is full of great people with great personalities. I have a couple of buddies that go to (Louisiana) Tech, and they always have great things to say about it.”

Agreeing to a preferred walk-on spot assures Fleming a spot on next year’s Bulldog roster, with the potential of earning a full scholarship down the road. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound prospect said he is going to do whatever is asked of him in hopes of making Louisiana Tech a better team.

“The (coaches) see me as a running back, but with college ball, you never know until to you get there,” Fleming said. “But I’ll do whatever they ask me. I’ll start out on special teams and whatever makes the team better, I’m willing to do it.”

Fleming has spent the last two seasons at Cathedral after transferring from Trinity Episcopal following his sophomore campaign. Fleming said he is thankful for all the opportunities both school provided.

“Cathedral is a great school with great academics and I had great support there,” he said. “Both schools played a big part in helping me become in who I am.”

Fleming noted he looks forward to facing the challenges of college, knowing it will better serve him beyond his athletic career.

“I think college is going to be fun, but it’s also going to be a learning experience,” he said. “You’re supposed to find yourself in college. Football will be a humbling experience, and college will prepare me for my life. I’m just looking forward to taking it one day at a time.”

Fleming is the son of Tracy and Tyrone Fleming.