Dandy Dozen: Oak Grove's John Rhys Plumlee

Wilson Alexander | Mississippi Clarion Ledger

Susan Broadbridge/Hattiesburg American

HATTIESBURG — Two years ago, Oak Grove had just scored a touchdown against Wayne County when head coach Drew Causey decided to put a sophomore named John Rhys Plumlee into the game for the first time as a quarterback.

Plumlee had started as a freshman, but as an outside linebacker/safety hybrid. He played quarterback growing up and practiced as Oak Grove’s backup. Opting for a two-point conversion, Causey called a play designed to roll Plumlee to his right. He could run or he could throw, depending on how the play developed. Before Plumlee called hike, the defense shifted right. When he caught the snap, Plumlee ran to his left.

“I thought I could make it to the other side,” Plumlee told Causey after the play. “I saw everybody bump over and I thought I could make it.”

Defenders chased after Plumlee and cut off his angle to the pylon. Plumlee stopped, ran back to his right and threw a pass to Oak Grove’s running back, who was supposed to be his lead blocker if the play had gone according to plan.

“The guy catches the ball and scores,” Causey said. “That was his first play at quarterback in a ball game for us.”

Mackenzie Salmon, Clarion Ledger

The play was a preview of things to come. Plumlee has started every game at quarterback since, except for two games last year when he hurt his non-throwing hand. In that time, he has created or extended countless plays with his legs. Against Petal last year, Plumlee, whose middle name is pronounced “rice,” ran through the middle of the defense for a 95-yard touchdown.

“You knew after about 10 yards he was going to score,” Causey said.

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Plumlee doesn’t just make plays with his legs. In nine-and-a-half games as a junior, he racked up 1,579 passing yards and 22 combined touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions. He even switched over to defense and covered receiver Jonathan Mingo, one of the state’s top players, when Oak Grove played Brandon. Plumlee does all of this while playing a rigorous baseball schedule.

“It's time-consuming, but it's easy when you love doing both things,” Plumlee said.

Bob Smith - Special to the Clarion-Ledger

In early July, Plumlee, who batted .455 as Oak Grove’s center fielder this spring, spent a week at a baseball tournament in Atlanta. He returned to Hattiesburg on a Friday night and woke up at 5:30 the next morning for a football camp at Hinds Community College. He went to church on Sunday, then drove to Oak Grove for football practice at 7:30 a.m. Monday. Causey said he’s never late.

Plumlee and his family have traveled so much for sports and college visits, they fashioned a bed in the back of their Nissan.

“The driver has to be pretty safe,” Plumlee said.

A few days after his marathon of a week, Plumlee appeared upbeat and energetic. He hasn’t worn out yet, and he’ll continue to play both sports at Georgia, where he committed on June 15.

Susan Broadbridge/Hattiesburg American

“When the opportunity was presented to me, they said I could play baseball,” Plumlee said. “If it doesn't work out down the line and I'm not doing well then I'll probably need to focus in on one thing. As of right now, while I can do both, I really want to.”

As Plumlee spoke, a silver cross dangled from a chain around his neck. A bracelet that said "I AM SECOND" wrapped around his left wrist. As much as he gets identified by sports, Plumlee considers his faith more important.

"I'm a Christian guy who plays sports on the side," said Plumlee, who admires former Florida quarterback and devout Christian Tim Tebow. "If I wanted to be known for one thing, I would want to be known as a Christian."

Plumlee made significant improvements from his sophomore year to junior year, Causey said, and the coach is hoping for a similar jump this year. Plumlee needs to improve his accuracy, and he’s still learning the subtleties of the position, but Causey expects a lot from Plumlee this season.