Can’t Argue with that: Incoming Alcorn State defensive end has high hopes for first season
Published 12:00 am Thursday, July 19, 2018
The popular Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U” returns for its third season this Friday.
Unlike the first two seasons, the third won’t be featuring the East Mississippi Community College Lions. Instead, Independence Community College in Kansas will be the highlighted school.
Although people won’t get their yearly dose of EMCC head coach Buddy Stephens, Alcorn State University fans may see a local player throughout the documentary.
“I’m really excited for the season to drop,” said incoming Alcorn defensive end Creo Argue. “I feel like Independence is top notch, too. People doubt the junior colleges in Kansas.”
Argue, who arrived to Lorman in January, said he won’t be heavily featured like former Florida State quarterback Malik Henry or former Mississippi State commit Emmit Gooden. However, the former Independence player does believe he might show up in a few scenes here and there.
The 6-foot-2 defensive end found himself in Kansas after receiving interest from Eastern Michigan, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois and Western Illinois during high school. In his lone season at Independence, Argue tallied 13 tackles, three sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in 10 games.
The Crete, Illinois native said playing in front of a documentary team was different, but it wasn’t distracting at all. In fact, Argue said it made him act more responsible.
“You didn’t want to slip up on camera,” Argue said.
Although Argue won’t make a tremendous impact on “Last Chance U,” he is expected to make some impressions in the Braves’ defense year.
Alcorn defensive coordinator Cedric Thornton said defensive end was one of the positions the Braves focused this past recruiting class, which is why the purple and gold signed four at that spot — Argue, Jaaron Jackson, Jon Orso and Blake Thomas. However, Argue has already established himself as someone Thornton can rely upon.
“In the spring, Creo cemented himself as one of those guys Coach Thornton can depend on,” Thornton said. “So my expectation for him is to build upon what he gave me this spring. I expect him to play major snaps for us this year.”
While Thornton is excited about the potential Argue brings to the table, he is just happy Alcorn still signed the defensive end.
“Coach (Kye) Stewart who was here last year, brought Creo’s film to the table last year,” Thornton said. “When Coach Stewart left, I liked Creo and we stayed on him. He liked us and when he committed, I was overjoyed we landed him.”
Not only does Thornton have high expectations for Argue, the sophomore with three years of eligibility left has set the bar high for himself heading into this season.
Argue said as of right now, he is projected to start for Alcorn. If he does start all year, he said he could reach his lofty goals.
“Lead the FCS in sacks and tackles for loss,” Argue said. “I want to make a name for myself this year. “
Last season, graduated San Diego defensive lineman Jonathan Peterson led the FCS in sacks and tackles for loss at 18 and 22.5 respectively. The top returner in those two categories is Colgate junior defensive lineman Nick Wheeler (11.5 sacks) and Morgan State senior linebacker Rico Kennedy (19.5 tackles for loss). Those are some of the players Argue must out play to reach his goals.
Argue believes he can accomplish those benchmarks if he carries over the attitude he played with in the spring.
“I felt like I had to come in hungry because I didn’t know what to expect when I got here,” Argue said. “I had to make sure to give it my all. I still don’t know what to expect. So every practice and game, I have to play at 100-percent. I want to and will live up to hype that is surrounding me.”
Not only does Argue believe that if he plays with an attitude like that, but if he applies what he learned from guys like Gooden and Henry during his time in Independence, Argue said he can accomplish anything.
“Those guys all knew what it took to get to this level,” Argue said. “They all taught us how to get where they were at once. I’m going to take what I learned from them on and off the field and apply it here at Alcorn.
“I’m going to put the FCS on notice.”