Juco All-American set to resign with Ole Miss

The 2007 Parade All-American had the biggest impact out of any juco freshman in the country last year. Now he plans to take his talents to the SEC.

"Tell the Ole Miss people out there that I will be there in December," stated the NJCAA Juco All-American. "I went to the Egg Bowl, and I think I will fit in good in the Wild Rebel role. They placed me over here at East MS CC, and it has gone great. We are looking for even bigger things this upcoming season."

To say that things went well for Randall Mackey is an understatement, as he was named the MACJC/Region 23 Offensive Player of the Year and was the Region 23 MVP. Mackey led the National Junior College Athletic Association in passing yards (281.8) and total offense (330.4) per game. For the 2008 season he threw for 2,818 yards and 24 touchdowns on 193-of-320 (60%), while rushing for 486 yards and four TD's on 80 carries in 10 contests.

Why was the transition so easy for the 2008 Ole Miss signee?

"I just came in and learned the system, and once I got that down, it was kind of like high school. I did not have Rueben Randle to throw to or anything (laugh) but I had some good ones. Leon Berry had a great season as did the rest of our wide receivers."

Was the former Bastrop (LA) star surprised by his early success?

"Well, that is a good question. I do not know. I got there, and everybody was all big, but it got easier and easier as it went on."

Mackey arrived at East MS CC last June, which gave him a summer before the season started to learn the offense, and to get ahead in the classroom.

"Ole Miss and East MS CC wanted me to get there early so I could get adjusted. It helped a lot. I pretty much had the play book learned by the time two a days rolled around. It also gave me the chance to get out in December so I can go ahead and get up there in Oxford and get a spring under my belt before I start my junior season. I will probably be playing a new position, so I need some reps at receiver and running back to get adjusted."

Randall watched quite a few Ole Miss games last year and feels like his role is one that suits his game.

"Oh yea, I watched them play many times. I saw them play LSU, Florida, Wake Forest, Alabama, and Texas Tech on TV, and I went to the MSU game. They are pretty good (laugh). I was looking at the Wild Rebel formations, and I can run that real good like #22 (Dexter McCluster) does. I will be the next Dexter doing it, but I think I can pass it a little better. They told me they can really open up the playbook with me in there."

Is Randall OK with just playing the Wild Rebel role and not being a full time QB?

"I would rather play all of them, QB, RB, and WR, than just QB to be honest. It does not matter to me. I am just ready to play."