Jahmel McIntosh profile
"It surprised me," said Jahmel of his team's strong showing in the event. "We did better than what I thought we would do. Being from Mississippi people think we are just a bunch of hick town kids. They don't expect much from us.
"We all knew of each other, but we didn't know each other. We came together after the first couple of games."
After sporting a 2-2 record in pool play, the squad made a commitment to each other that vaulted the team to the Southeast regional title.
"That night we all came together and said we were going to show them what Mississippi can do and that we weren't going to lose," said Jahmel.
"We all came together and we beat Tennessee in the final seconds. It was great and I think we showed everybody what we could do."
A lack of egos seemed to be a key ingredient to the team's success.
"Our defense came together pretty quick and then the offense came together," said McIntosh. "We developed some chemistry, so there wasn't any tension. Once we got a comfort level level we got it together.
"Chandler came in and earned the trust of the receivers. He was a real laid back kid and I didn't know much about him because he was from an academy.
"I thought he might be a snob or something, but he wasn't like that at all. He's a good quarterback and a good person. He fit right in with everybody."
This past weekend some of the top players from the regional tournament were unable to make the return trip.
"We didn't have the comfort level this time because Tobias, Chief and the Madison Central guys didn't come," said Jahmel. "We all got a little frustrated, but we just had to go out and do what we could do.
"We had to get these other guys in and they had to get right to business. The first time we had everybody together so we could throw the ball around and share some laughs, but we couldn't do that this time."
Being part of a melting pot of talent, Jahmel learned some lessons that will help him later on in life.
"I learned that when I go to college and meet these different players we have to get comfortable
and learn to trust each other," said McIntosh. "You have to get that relationship level or you're not going to be able to compete like you want to."
The Cleveland standout has some advice for next year's team.
"I would say just go have fun and don't worry about the cameras and who all is there watching you," said McIntosh. "Just go play and do your best. You might surprise yourself. I know I surprised myself with all of the interceptions I got.
"If you just go do your best, things will work out."
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