Friday, August 15, 1997

Rhodes to play for Tyler Junior College

By LANCE FLEMING / Abilene Reporter-News

TYLER - Dominic Rhodes, whose running style and big-play ability made him one of the top recruits in the state this past spring, will play his first two years of college football at Tyler Junior College.

Rhodes, the ex-Cooper all-state running back who led the Cougars to the Class 5A Division II state championship game last season, didn't meet the necessary academic requirements to qualify for Division I and will spend the next two football seasons playing for the Apaches. Tyler head coach Dale Carr said the school's plans for Rhodes are to have him ready to graduate with his associate's degree in December 1998.

That would allow him to then move on to an NCAA Division I school, perhaps Texas Tech University, the school that Rhodes signed with in February on national signing day.

Rhodes reported to TJC Tuesday after several months of work to pull his test scores up to the necessary standards. He was disappointed when it didn't happen, but Carr said Rhodes' attitude has been good so far.

"He's got a great attitude; he's walking around here smiling and joking with the guys," Carr said. "Plus he's working extremely hard. We like everything we see in him."

Rhodes will join three other tailbacks - including two returnees from last year's 8-2 team - in a battle for the starting spot. One of the three is freshman George Fisher from North Garland High School.

Tyler is in the Southwest Junior College Conference, which includes Ranger College, Cisco Junior College, Blinn College in Brenham, Kilgore College and Trinity Valley Community College.