Philip Tobias made history and created some renewed interest inthe University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles with onestroke of the pen. Tobias signed a football scholarship with USM’sGolden Eagles, becoming the first Brookhaven High School footballsignee to go to USM since the early 1970s.

Tobias (6-4, 285), an all-state defensive end at BHS, said hewas happy to sign with the Golden Eagles who are 2003Conference-USA champions. “I feel good about signing with Southern.It’s a nice campus with a good academic program. They also havesome good coaches and a strong football program.”

Tobias, The Daily Leader’s Defensive Player of the Year onthe 2003 All-Lincoln County Football Team, was the second leadingtackler on the Panthers’ squad. He said USM’s coaches wereprojecting him as an offensive lineman.

USM assistant coach Mitch Rodrigue recruited Tobias. Hecoaches tight ends at USM.

“The plan is to move me to offensive tackle,” said Tobias.”I played tight end when I was a sophomore.”

Tobias is believed to be the first BHS player to sign withSouthern Miss since linebacker Mike Smith in 1971. Currently,former BHS defensive back Emmanuel Perkins is working with theEagles as a walkon.

“Emmanuel called me the other day and told me how theirworkout schedule is,” during the offseason. “He likes it downthere.”

Tobias was instrumental in helping the Panthers reach thesecond round of the Class 4A state playoffs in 2003. They reachedthe third round in 2002.

His parents, Larry and Marcia Wilcher, were present for theofficial signing photo. Also on hand were his sister, LawandaTobias; and his 18-month-old nephew, Antonio McNickles.

“We are proud of Philip,” said Mrs. Wilcher. “I’m lookingforward to him graduating from Southern.”

Mrs. Wilcher said she was probably going to bake her son’sfavorite dessert, a carrot cake, as part of thecelebration.

Tobias said he also was recruited by Mississippi State. “Itwas between Mississippi State and Southern. I feel like State isgoing on probation,” due to numerous NCAA violations under formerMSU coach Jackie Sherrill.

BHS head coach and athletic director Tucker Peavey said hewas pleased with what Tobias had accomplished in high school.”You’re glad to see a guy like Philip who has worked hard in schoolbe rewarded. He has handled all his business in theclassroom.”

A former offensive lineman himself, Peavey said Tobias hasall the tools to be successful at the college level. “Philip is asharp guy. Because of his physical and mental capabilities, they(USM) are going to try him in the offensive line.”

Tobias was a late addition to the BHS basketball team thisseason but his impact has been a big plus for the Panthers. Heleads the team in rebounding.

“I’m happy playing basketball,” said Tobias. “I’m havingfun. I wish we could win some more games.”

The Panthers finished the football season 9-3 in 2003,losing to eventual state champion Wayne County in the playoffs.They were 7-5 in 2002, reaching the state quarterfinals where theywere eliminated by D’Iberville, the eventual state champ.

BHS defensive line coach Rod Henderson signed with GramblingState in 1990 while teammates Alundis Brice and Aaron Robinsonsigned with Ole Miss in a banner recruiting year.

“I’m happy for Philip,” said Henderson. “He’s a qualityyoung man. He has been an asset to our program.”

Major college recruiters haven’t signed many BHS players inrecent years. Running back Renard Brown signed with Ole Miss in1991 and linebacker Joe Wesley signed with LSU in 1995. FredPerkins signed with Tulane University four years ago but neverattended the New Orleans-based school.