WESSON – Assistant coaches with plenty of experience have beenadded to the Copiah-Lincoln Community College football staff. PaulPurvis, the latest hire at Co-Lin, will serve as defensivecoordinator. Laurin Collins, hired in June, will coordinate theoffense.

It’s a whole new ballgame at Co-Lin. Dave Poinsett, offensiveline coach last season, was promoted to the head job last monthafter David Cross resigned. Calvin Green, defensive secondarycoach, is the lone holdover from the former staff. Receivers coachCharles Sutton retired.

“We are real fortunate to get Coach Purvis at this late time,”said Poinsett. “He is a well-respected coach and he has ties tothis area. He understands where we are going defensively.”

Purvis, 37, is a Jackson native. He graduated from Grenada KirkAcademy in 1983. An Ole Miss graduate, he has a degree in physicaleducation, with an emphasis on coaching.

“I’m excited about being at Co-Lin,” said Purvis. “It is a greatschool with a lot of community spirit and support. This is a realgood area for football.”

Last year Purvis worked as defensive coordinator and secondarycoach at Georgia Military College. Prior to that, he coached threeyears at Tennessee, helping coach the secondary when the Volunteerswon the national championship.

For 10 years Purvis was defensive coordinator at Jackson Prep.Three of his former Prep players are now in the NFL. WillOverstreet has earned a starting job at linebacker with the AtlantaFalcons. Offensive tackle Todd Wade is starting for the MiamiDolphins. Linebacker Paul Lacoste is with the Buffalo Bills.

“There are some great athletes at Co-Lin,” said Purvis., “Wehave to get everything organized on defense and get started.”Practice begins Monday.

“It’s good to be close to my family,” Purvis continued. “My dadlives in Byram, about 30 minutes from here.”

Collins, 61, was hired in June, before Cross resigned July 9, toenter private business. He coached last season at Brookhaven,serving as offensive line coach.

Prior to that Collins, a Laurel native, was head coach atNortheast Community College in Booneville for 5 years. He also willcoach quarterbacks and running backs at Co-Lin.

“I’m ready to get started,” said Collins. “I’ve recruited Co-Linand I’ve known about this area for a long time. Co-Lin has greatpeople to work for.”

Collins replaces David Armstrong who took a coaching positionwith Samford (Ala.) University.

Poinsett said he was happy to have Collins on his staff. “Laurinbrings a wealth of coaching knowledge to our program. He knowsfootball inside and out.”

Collins has two grown children, a son and a daughter. His son,Michael, is an assistant coach at Clarksdale. Lauren is married andlives in Byram.

A Jones County native, Collins graduated from Laurel in 1959 andsigned a scholarship with Mississippi State to play quarterback. Hetransferred to Delta State and graduated with a bachelor’s degreein physical education, math and driver’s education. He obtained amaster’s in PE from Ole Miss.

Co-Lin kicks off its season Sept. 5, hosting the MississippiDelta Trojans. Last year Co-Lin posted a 5-4 worksheet in Cross’first year at the helm. Cross had replaced Phil Broome who resignedafter five years at the helm.