CALEDONIA — Wes Rollins is getting his chance.
A prolific midfielder for the Caledonia boys soccer team, Rollins announced his collegiate decision Tuesday as he signed with Itawamba Community College.
“I think they’re getting a player who is going to come in, work really hard, and come in and compete for a starting position,” Caledonia coach Thomas Blake said. “I know they’re a good team but he’s going to be a big part of what they’re trying to do next year and after that.”
A dynamic midfielder, Rollins has flashed a quick footspeed through the middle that, coupled with a strong work ethic, has allowed him to be a stalwart in the center of the Caledonia attack.
Perhaps as impressive, his strong foot has also been on display on the gridiron, where he doubles as the placekicker for Caledonia.
“His intensity level — he always gives 100 percent,” Blake said. “That’s something you love as a coach. You know you’re going to have a guy come out there and compete.”
Beyond his on-field ability, Rollins’ signing with ICC has a larger significance within the program. While Caledonia has long produced collegiate soccer talent, its most recent college-bound athlete gives underclassmen a role model and blueprint to aspire toward in hopes of one day reaching the next level as well.
“It’s great for the program,” Blake said. “And for the younger kids to see these older kids getting scholarships and things like that to go and play for these schools, I think it definitely gives more interest for the program — not just from future players but from parents and things such as that. I think it’s good for the program.”
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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