Two years ago, John Dale’s senior year at Kemper County concluded with a football state championship, and the two-sport star appeared to be headed to Memphis for the next step in his football journey.

A low grade-point average prevented Dale from enrolling at Memphis, so he signed with Hinds Community College with the Division I program still in his sights. 

 Dale signed with Memphis on Dec. 19, and he will report to the school Saturday as a member of the Tigers’ football team. Memphis’ commitment to him over the last two years confirmed his loyalty to the program.

“Ever since I’ve been at Hinds, they’ve stayed with me every day,” Dale said. “I’d get a call or a text from them. They made me feel comfortable there.”

Dale, an offensive lineman, concluded his sophomore season with a selection to the second-team MACJC All-State South offensive squad.

While heading to Memphis straight from high school would have been Dale’s preference, he said the two-year detour has offered valuable life lessons that he’s thankful to have learned. 

“I feel like by me not going to Memphis and having to go to Hinds, it showed me how life really is,” Dale said. “You can’t just sit around and plan and think everything will just be given to you. You have to take advantage of everything that’s been given to you; everything is not just going to be given to you.”

Hinds coach Larry Williams caught his first glimpse of Dale at a basketball game during Dale’s sophomore season at Kemper County. Williams’ first year as Hinds’ head football coach was also Dale’s first with the Eagles. 

“It’s been a pleasure coaching him,” Williams said. “He has a great personality, and he’s always going to put a smile on your face. Seeing him grow as an athlete from the moment he got to Hinds until he left, he has grown leaps and bounds.”

Dale joins a Memphis team that recently went 8-6 and appeared in the Birmingham Bowl. According to Williams, the Tigers will greatly benefit by his presence on the offensive line.

“His best football is ahead of him,” Williams said. “He has great feet and great toughness. That’s the thing that caught my eye the first day when I watched him work out — how mentally tough he was.”