'I'm back"

The 1st Team juco All-American had three short words to say after he learned that he had qualified this afternoon.

"About an hour ago I was informed that I made it," added the always well and soft spoken Patrick Trahan. "Coach Nutt called and congratulated me. He was pretty excited."

And Patrick?

"I am just relieved. It has been a while since I have played in the SEC and now the only thing I can say it that I am back. This feels good, really good. I am ready to get in camp and make an impact."

When will Mississippi's 2007 junior college Defensive Player of the year report?

"Saturday morning."

Immediate goals during two a days are simple.

"I just want to make my presence felt and get my spot. I came to play, not to sit on the bench."

Has a specific linebacker position been discussed?

"Not at all. I am open to any of the three. I am just ready to get on the field and feel that SEC atmosphere again."

Word had spread that Trahan was down to 215 pounds but not so says Patrick.

"I weighed 233 pounds this morning. I played at 230 this Fall so I am right where I need to be."

What has this summer been like for the former Auburn starter?

"I have just been working hard in the classroom and giving a lot of thoughts on what I have to do this fall. I have been studying the defense overtime trying to get caught up. The thing that stands out to me is how depressed I was this time last year that I was heading to a junior college instead of playing in the SEC. Now I have a second life, so to speak, and I plan on taking advantage of it. This will only make me stronger as a person and a player."

Trahan marks the second 5 star signee to gain eligibility this week.