When Jonathan Webster took over at East Central Community College, this first goal was to recruit area players better.
One of his first stops was at Newton County where he landed two players on National Signing Day last week.
Newton County standouts Grey Hale and Cade Mangum both signed to continue their college careers at East Central.
Since Bass arrived at newton County, signings have become something of a tradition.
“It’s great and has almost become a tradition to have somebody sign,” Bass said. “We are blessed to where we have six, four and have two sign this year to have a chance to play at the next level. Coach Webster at East Central has done a really good job of focusing on our kids here. He wants our kids to stay at home and I expect him to do a really great job in the future.”
Bass said both kids have put in the work it takes to play at the next level with the
“It’s getting harder and harder for high school kids to do that with the transfer portal and all of that,” Bass said. “What kids really need to understand that what it takes to get to the next level and the amount of work that it takes during that amount of time. It say a lot about our program and our kids, they are willing to go that extra mile and willing to put in the work. Now, it’s just part of the process and our kids understand that. We have been blessed to have kids with great athletic ability that have the opportunity to play at the next level and have kids with great work ethic. I think last year, we had lot of kids at a lot of different junior colleges. We are well represented across the state.”
Hale, who is 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, started at quarterback for the Cougars the last two years and was also a defensive back in spots last year. On offense, Hale threw for 1,469 yards and rushed for 369 yards and nine TDs. On defense, Hale tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
“I think they signed him as a quarterback but he can do either but it’s where they decide to put him,” Bass said. “He can play a whole lot of defense but play a whole a lot of defense this year. I would throw him out there in passing situations where I thought they were passing the football and I think he ended up the year with four or five interceptions. He is a good athlete, a good kid an da tough kid. I’m excited for them and their future. I hope they understand the amount of work it takes, it’s a full-time job and it can wear on some kids. They don’t always know what they are getting into. When they sign that scholarship, it’s a job and I hope they understand that and embrace it.”
East Central a family affair for Hale, who’s father works at the school.
“I’m excited and excited to go compete in my home town,” Hale said. “It makes me work harder and want to more. I really like Coach Webster. He is a young head coach and they have a new coaching staff with a lot of momentum and that’s what you need. I’ve had numerous family members play at East Central and it’s like home to me. Everybody goes there and I just want to be a part of it. It means a lot to be able to play on the next level.”
Also signing was placekicker Cade Mangum, who was a special teams force for the Cougars. Mangum was 41-of-45 on PATs this season and all of the misses were blocks. He was also 6-of-7 in field goals this season and was the Division 5-4A Special Teams MVP.
“With Cade, he wants to be good,” Bass said. “He doesn’t want to fail at something which is a good characteristic. He is going to work at it and sometimes even overworks and overbids. He has a great work ethic. I think he will do a great job when that’s all he has to do. Really good job and he plays other sports. I think when he can just focus on kicking, I think that will help him. I think he has a bright future.”
Mangum is also excited about staying at home after getting offers from Hinds, East Mississippi and Pearl River.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to play for East Central and really thankful for Coach Webster and his staff,” Mangum said. “I’m thankful for this opportunity. They just made it feel like home during the visit. I think Coach Webster will bring a totally new football program to East Central and bring a lot of change to East Central. When I first started off, I didn’t think I would get this opportunity. But as I progressed, I saw the possibilities and the opportunity. When I started playing football, I fell in love with it.”
