WESSON — Ronnie McNulty and Orlandas Chapman of Brookhavenarrived 20 minutes early for the afternoon workout. Trying to puttheir best intentions in the spotlight, they are both aiming for aberth on Co-Lin’s 55-player football roster.

McNulty, a tailback, and Chapman, a defensive back, both signedscholarships with Southwest Mississippi Community College aftertheir senior season at Brookhaven. In 2004 they had helped lead theOle Brook Panthers to the Class 4A state championship.

Another year older and wiser, they are attempting to work theirway onto Co-Lin’s roster after transferring from Southwest. TheWolfpack was hit hard by graduation after posting a 9-3 record andgaining No. 6 ranking in the final NJCAA National Poll.

McNulty, a 5-foot-7, 175-pound speedster, paused for a momentbefore tackling more challenges in the Co-Lin weight program. Hehad just performed a series of squats with 225 pounds. “That’s justa warmup.

“These workouts are necessary,” said McNulty. “You have to dowhat it takes to win. We all have our goals.”

Chapman agreed. “It’s not just a summer workout. You have to behere every day to get better.”

He helps McNulty squat with 315 pounds before taking histurn.

Offensive tackle Phillip Freeman (6-5, 295), has gained 20pounds of muscles since his freshman year at Co-Lin. His goal is tobecome bigger and stronger.

“I am really working on my body size,” explained Freeman. “Myopponents were bigger (last year). I weighed 275 when I left(Wesson) high school. Now I weigh 295.”

Freeman said last season’s success on the gridiron has attractedmore summer participation in the workouts.

“We are building on our success from last year,” said Freeman.”We have a lot more players here working out than we did last year.This year you have to fight to get in here.”

Trey Hardaway, an All-South Division linebacker as a freshman,helped Co-Lin to a runner-up finish in the South and the stateplayoffs. The Pack recovered from a title game loss to Pearl Riverand whipped Georgia Military School 21-0 in the Sea Island GoldenIsles Classic at Brunswick, Ga.

Hardaway’s favorite lift is the bench press. He said there werenumerous benefits to the summer workouts, including the opportunityto associate with incoming freshman members of the squad.

“It helps a lot,” said Hardaway. “You get to know your teammatesbefore starting practice in August.”

Johnny Sanders, a slender, 6-foot-3, 200-pound safety, was partof last year’s starting defensive unit. The Hazlehurst product isattending summer classes with many of his teammates and working outeach afternoon, Monday through Thursday.

“We are training hard and working hard,” said Sanders. “It makesme stronger and a better player on the field.”

Sanders said his leadership role as a sophomore was important tothe incoming freshmen. “Coach wants us to be leaders. We have a lotof young guys and we have to show them what to do.”

Asked about Co-Lin’s 2007 campaign, Sanders smiled andpredicted, “We are going to be in a bowl again.”

Marcus Udell (6-0, 190) needs strength and speed to playcornerback at Co-Lin. He started as a freshman and has a strongwork ethic in the weight room.

“I spend a lot of time with (workouts),” said Udell, fromTallahassee, Fla. “It helps my flexibility and my strength.”

Asked about his favorite lift, Udell grinned and said, “Squatsand dips are my favorites.” He benches 305 pounds and squats with450.

Zabran Taylor (6-3, 213), a sophomore safety from Brandon, saidhe knows the workouts are necessary. “It’s hard work but we want tomake a championship run.”

Wilford Journet (6-3, 242), a sculpted defensive end fromLafayette, La., is a freshman. He was among the players taking partin the power clean exercise. He provided enthusiastic encouragementas the players took turns.

Originally, an Auburn signee, Journet is working on improvinghis grades and his strength. He is taking health and computer labcourses this summer.

“In order to be a champion, you have to work hard like achampion,” said Journet.

Journet’s words reflected the general opinion of each Co-Linplayer.