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The University of Mississippi Athletics
SPOTLIGHT: Powe Chases His Dream
10/9/2010 | Football
Oct. 9, 2010
By Morgan Adams
Ole Miss Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant
Anyone who has a dream is certain to have goals. Goals are the steps followed in order to achieve a dream. Each goal that is accomplished and marked off the list gets you closer to the dream. Trials and tribulations are also certain when pursuing dreams. Setbacks and temporary detours are common on the road to success. How someone deals with these speed bumps in life will determine their future and shape their character. Ole Miss defensive tackle Jerrell Powe is a pro at dealing with bumps in the road to his dream of playing professional football.
With two high school state championships under his belt and boasting a ranking of the fourth best defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com, Powe was more than eager to accomplish his next goal of playing college football. As a five-star recruit, Powe had offers from all over the SEC including LSU and Auburn. The Waynesboro, Miss., native chose to stay in state and play for Ole Miss. "The traditions at Ole Miss and the hospitality of the fans drew me in. I'm just a small town Mississippi guy, and I love it here," Powe said.
Despite his enthusiasm and love for the campus, the NCCA ruled Powe academically ineligible. Determined not to give up on himself or his dream Powe set a new goal and ventured down what would be a long and uncertain detour. He enrolled in Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, where he played in 2005. Even though his grades improved, the NCAA declared Powe academically ineligible yet again.
Powe remained focus on his goal of returning to the field. He moved back to Waynesboro. There, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, re-took core classes at Waynesboro and enrolled in additional correspondence classes at Penn Foster Career School, which is based in Pennsylvania. Powe did this while supporting himself by working at a local jail.
He finally came one step closer to accomplishing his dream in 2007, when he was allowed to attend Ole Miss on financial aid. Powe could practice with the team; however, he could not compete in games. In 2008 after three years of sitting and waiting, the NCAA finally gave Powe the green light and he was eligible to play football for the Rebels.
"It was definitely worth all the work to get back to Ole Miss. I am here, and I am happy," he said. "Everybody has to go through something to get to where they want to be in life. I am happy to be here and be playing with some of the guys who were recruited the same year I was."
Powe fought for his dream, he set goals and maneuvered his way through the detours one step at a time. Persevering through the doubt and naysayers, Powe never gave up and kept looking ahead. Dealing with his situations off the field, added to Powe's power on the field.
"I can't quit on anything out here on the field. What I had to go through to get here gives me determination and drive. But, I'm keeping everything positive and not thinking about the past. I'm moving forward and pressing on."
As Powe moved forward in his career at Ole Miss, he proved to everyone that he belonged. Powe helped lead the Rebels to consecutive Cotton Bowl wins in 2009 and 2010. In 2009 Powe saw action in all 13 games and tied for team leader and eighth in the SEC in tackles for loss with 12. Last spring he was awarded the J. Richard Price Courage and Compassion Award, and this fall he was named a captain by his teammates. It's an honor he takes to heart with so many young guys having to step up this year.
"We have never had a team that relies on as many young guys as we do this year. Leadership is playing an important role. We need leaders who can stand up and be mentors on and off the field. I don't feel any added pressure by being a leader I just want to do a good job," Powe said.
Powe attributes a lot of his success to one of his mentors and friend and former teammate, Peria Jerry. Jerry currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons but still finds the time to call Powe after every game. Powe said that Jerry grades his performances on the field.
"I have yet to receive an A, but I've gotten a lot of B's. Peria is a very hard grader and knows my potential."
As Powe's last season with the Rebels drives forward, he cannot help but think about his last march down the Walk of Champions into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. He anticipates his last touch of the Chucky Mullins bust, the last deafening roar of the fans shouting sporadic Hotty Toddy chants and his last game in Oxford. Powe said that it would be emotional for him and he would definitely shed some tears.
The next mile on Powe's road could lead anywhere. Maybe he will be able to play professional football for his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. Maybe Powe will pursue a career with his criminal justice degree. There is only one thing for sure, no matter what curves his road takes, Powe will be ready for them. Nothing will stop him once he sets his mind on something. Determination and perseverance are two traits that Powe has earned and will forever possess.
