JACKSON — Domenick Addison wants to get a big kick out of hissenior football season at Jackson State University. The BogueChitto product hopes the Tigers can produce a winning season as heaims for All-SWAC honors as a punter.

A 4-year starter for the Tigers, Addison has used his strongright leg to maintain his scholarship. He’s on course to graduatewith high honors next spring, no matter what happens to thefootball team.

For the unknowing reader, Jackson State has been picked tofinish dead last in the East Division. Alcorn State is favored torepeat as East champion.

For sure, Addison has had a busy summer. Besides working forMiskelly’s mammoth furniture store in Pearl, he has been keeping inpeak physical condition. The rigorous routine includes running andlifting weights. He also labors in the store’s shippingdepartment.

“I get off work around three o’clock. Then I go and liftweights,” said Addison. “Then I go back to work. When I get off, Irun.”

Addison tips the scales at 221 muscular pounds and stands5-foot-11. He looks like a college running back instead of aspecialist.

As a senior at Bogue Chitto, Addison was Co-Offensive Player onThe DAILY LEADER’s 2001 All-Lincoln County Football Team. He alsostarred at linebacker for Coach Carl Cole’s Bobcats as theyadvanced to the second round of the Class 1A state playoffs. Healso started on the basketball team.

“Sometimes I miss playing running back,” Addison admitted. “It’sreally a lot tougher punting than what people think it is.”

Punter was a position Addison grew into, mainly as a senior atBogue Chitto. “I was never a punter in high school. I knew how topunt because Coach Cole tried to teach me about it. I startedpunting my third year on varsity.”

Addison played two years for Robert Hughes at Jackson State. Thepast two seasons have been under James Bell and JSU fans are hungryfor better results.

“Domenick is an outstanding student,” said Bell. “He has gottenbetter each year. He has worked hard on the things he needs toimprove upon.”

Addison was a third-team All-SWAC selection last year. “My goalis to make first-team All-SWAC. I want to win a SWAC championship,too, before I leave.”

Looking at the 2004 campaign, Addison said, “Our punting teamwas almost the best thing going for us last year. Our team hasnowhere to go but up.”

As a junior, Addison averaged 39 yards per punt. “I wasaveraging 44 yards over the last four games and led the SWAC fourstraight weeks.”

Certainly, Addison is in the spotlight on fourth downs. Ashanked punt usually draws a round of boos from the crowd.

“When a punter messes up, people let you know,” said Addison.”There’s pressure on me. When a lineman messes up, people don’t seeit.”

Asked about his favorite game, Addison remembered the TennesseeState contest. “It was a TV game and I had a 53-yard puntingaverage. My longest punt was 59 yards.”

Looking at the season ahead, Addison is optimistic. “We arerebuilding in several areas but we should be stronger at mostpositions. I know Coach Bell is under a lot of pressure towin.”

Addison’s roommate and teammate is JSU place-kicker AshcherAshley of Atlanta. “We talk a lot about kicking,” said Addison.”He’s very consistent.”

His mother, Sandra Addison of Brookhaven, is a devoted followerof her son. “She makes all my home games and tries to make most ofour road games, too.”

He grew up in Bogue Chitto, raised by his aunt, Myra Black. “I’mthe baby of the family. She allowed me to stay with her.”

Addison had some solid advice for prospective football players.”The main thing is to make sure your academics are where they’resupposed to be. Football isn’t always going to be there. You haveto work hard in the classroom, too.”

Majoring in biology and occupational therapy, Addison wants toenroll in medical school after he graduates. A member of the dean’slist, he has high goals for the future. A punter would call it hangtime.

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