Deuce McAllister has become a vital part of the Jackson areawith his automobile dealerships and land investments. In a uniquetwist, the New Orleans Saints running back is introducing “TheDeuce” in conjunction with McAlister’s Deli.

In the Saints Media Room on the Millsaps College campus tonight,Deuce will treat the journalists to a delicious dinner, featuringhis special sandwich. The formal invitation proclaims, “Bring yourappetite and Deuce will open the playbook on his new creation.”

Recognized as Morton’s Man of Steel, McAllister first made aname for himself, playing for the Panthers. That led to a brilliantcareer at the University of Mississippi where he amassed threeconsecutive 1,000 all-purpose yard campaigns.

He left Ole Miss with school records of carries (616), rushingyards (3,060), touchdowns (36), total TDs (41), points (246) and100-yard games (13). He was a 3-time All-SEC selection.

McAllister was the Saints’ No. 1 draft choice in 2001 andimmediately began making an impact on the Crescent City. Extremelyinvolved in his community, he quickly became a crowd favorite inthe Superdome.

He currently ranks as the Saints’ all-time leader in rushingyardage (5,586), attempts (1,298), touchdowns (44) and 100-yardgames (27). In 2003, he had a career-high 1,641 rushing yards,including 9 straight 100-yard performances.

In 2006, McAllister received the Saints’ Ed Block Courage Awardwhich honors a player who best exemplifies the principals ofcourage and sportsmanship. At 6-foot-1 and 232 pounds, McAllisteris a powerful load to tackle. Hopefully, he will stay healthy forseveral more years. Running backs absorb a severe pounding on everyoffensive play.

Current Ole Miss running back Ben Jarvis-Green gives the Rebelsanother powerful runner with 1,000-yard potential. How much of theoffensive load Green can carry this season remains to be seen.

Certainly, the Rebels need a breakout performance by theirquarterbacks, either Seth Adams or Michael Herrick. Adams has shownthe most consistency in the spring and preseason drills. BrentSchaeffer, a big disappointment at quarterback last season, has themost athletic ability but apparently lacks focus, if you talk withOle Miss coach Ed Orgeron. Schaeffer has been shifted to widereceiver.

Orgeron was defensive coordinator at national champion SouthernCal before coming to Ole Miss. He had high praise for Rebel rookieMarcus Tillman who started at defensive end last season as a truefreshman.

Tillman, a Franklin County native, not only excels on thegridiron but he does a fine job in the classroom, too. Orgeronselected him to represent Ole Miss in last month’s SEC Media Daysheld in Hoover, Ala.

When Orgeron visited southwest Mississippi last spring, he spoketo an Ole Miss alumni meeting at the Fernwood Country Club. Hisbook on Tillman. “Marcus is going to be an All-American. He wonacademic and athletic awards in the spring.”

The All-American Football Foundation’s 87th Banquet of Championsis set for Aug. 13, at the Jackson Hilton Hotel. It will bededicated to Harper Davis of Millsaps and Mississippi State, JohnnyBrewer of Ole Miss, Willie Richardson of Jackson State Universityand two deceased University of Southern Mississippi legends,Colonel Thad (Pie) Van and Dr. R.C. Cook.

Colonel Van, the College Football Hall of Fame Coach, and Dr.Cook, Southern’s president during its first major enrollmentincrease, will receive the Admiral Thomas J. Hamilton Award and theOutstanding College President Award.

Brewer, who is suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease, andRichardson, both won All-America acclaim during their collegiateplaying days. They both had highly successful pro careers,Richardson with the Baltimore Colts and Brewer with the Cleveland,spending 7 years with the Browns and 3 with the Saints.

Reservations for the banquet may be made by calling601.206.8877. Tickers are $150 and are tax deductible. TheFoundation is a tax exempt, non-profit organization found nMississippi by Mississippians.

Brookhaven’s own Jimmie “Red” McDowell is the AAFF executivedirector.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com