Mullen reminded him that he could easily get lost in the shuffle of a bigger program but he could really be a key figure at State. He said he admired his leadership role on that defense as well as his play. In fact, he said a lot of things that got Joe thinking.
He accepted the visit and was both excited and nervous at the prospect of the trip. He laughed at himself for almost acting 'girlish' wondering what clothes to take to 'fit in'. It was to be his first visit and he wanted to both make a good impression and also see what they had to offer.
On Friday, he left school early and drove over to Starkville. He was going to stay on campus in a dorm room or somewhere. He wasn't sure where exactly, but was given directions to the athletic offices.
He was to meet with Coach Mullen after practice, meet the team and be shown around by two of the football players before an early bedtime.
Driving into campus, Joe was taken with the beauty and small town charm of Starkville. It was not intimidating at all.
Following the map, he quickly found the practice facility and the athletic offices. He was taken to an office where six other young men were nervously waiting.
He was told coach Mullen would be there in about 15 minutes and to just introduce himself to 'the guys'. Most were like him, on their first visit.
One, Pete Slocomb, from Columbus, Miss., said it was his first and only visit. He told everyone he was born to play for State and that this was his dream come true. He was already committed and was obviously trying to get the other five to do likewise.
His brother, he explained, spent years here under Sylvester Croom and despite the won- loss record said that State had given him a great education and a lifetime of great memories and friends.
He said his brother explained they were just half a dozen players from turning the corner, and maybe the guys in this room were the ones that could do it.
Before, there was always a 'sizing up' and some friendly rivalry when guys from other teams were around, but now he only felt friendliness and curiosity.
They talked about what positions they played, where they were from and why they were here. They all seemed like pretty neat guys.
Before long Coach Mullen entered the room and welcomed them and invited them to come and 'meet the boys'. Upon entering the locker room someone yelled, "Hey Joe! Joe Everyguy!", and he looked to see a player standing on his locker stool waving.
"Hey everybody, that's the young gun who popped me in the backfield at my own high school homecoming for my only loss that year." At first Joe didn't recognize him, but the guy followed up by hollering, "You've laid out so many since then, maybe you forgot, but I'm Phil Welbourne from Lindsey.
"My senior year we played your team for the only time, and the only time I was tackled for a loss was by some skinny freshman who didn't even fill out his jersey."
Everyone laughed. "You filled out a little in three years, I see. Welcome to Mississippi State!"
This statement was quickly followed by someone introducing each recruit by name with a cute story of some kind. He immediately felt a kinship and soon they were in the Coach Mullen's office while the players changed clothes.
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