Michael Lindsey has been one of the area's most versatile and dynamic players for the past five years. Now, he hopes to continue that reputation at the next level.

Lindsey spurned late interest from bigger schools to sign with Troy on National Signing Day. After spending time at multiple positions, he's expected to settle in at slot receiver for the Trojans.

In fact, Troy coaches believe he can have the same impact as another former Wiregrass star, former Eufaula standout and current New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan.

"He can play a lot of places, much like Jerrel," Head Coach Larry Blakeney said. "I'm not going to put that moniker on him yet. He's a great, very versatile young man. He's not a huge guy, but he's very physical and aggressive, which makes him good with the ball."

Lindsey sees the similarities as well. If not for a chance meeting Jernigan, Lindsey might be preparing to attend another school in the fall.

"In the summer I went to a camp, and the NFL had the lockout, and Jerrell was there," Lindsey said. "We talked, and he said, you're a guy like me. He said Troy's a great place. When I heard him say that, I knew I was going to be at Troy."

Jernigan transformed himself at Troy from a small slot receiver to a third round pick of the Giants. He helped New York win Super Bowl 46 on Sunday night, as the Giants beat New England 21-17.