CLARKSDALE- CCC Football alum Cecil Cherry has a chance to achieve his dream of making it to the NFL. However, getting to this point meant surviving many tests and trials. He's hoping to hear his name at the 2020 NFL draft on Thursday, April 23, 2020. The 6 foot, 235-pound linebacker is fighting through the pandemic and training in his hometown of Frostproof, Florida.

Cherry holds an admirably resilient career so far. He began his journey at the University of South Florida. In 2015, Cherry played in 12 games for the Bulls and recorded 30 tackles. In 2016, he helped the Bulls to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Birmingham Bowl. After that season, then-head coach Willie Taggert left South Florida to serve as head coach at the University of Oregon. Cherry got lost in the shuffle and sought to make a change.

Former Coahoma Head Coach Steven Miller and his staff found out about Cherry and his unfortunate situation. They developed an unbreakable bond that inspired Cherry's decision to sign with Coahoma Community College.

"I had to make the adjustment from playing in an NFL Stadium to playing for a close-knit community," said Cherry. "The coaching staff really helped us make that adjustment in JUCO football. Coahoma gave me the confidence to fight for an opportunity to better your situation."

Cherry was the heart and soul of the Tigers' defense in 2017. He had 104 tackles, including 72 solos, 32 assists, and eight tackles for loss. Additionally, he finished first-team MACJC All-State North defense, MACJC defensive MVP, and made the NJCAA Region 24 Defensive Team.

"Coach Miller and his staff established a family atmosphere," said Cherry. "We came together as a team and did everything we could to win."
 
Grambling State University was the next destination for Cherry. He played one season for head coach Broderick Fobbs. In 2018, he played in six games for the GSU Tigers, pocketing 15 total tackles, including nine solos and six assists. He also notched 3.5 tackles for loss totaling 13 yards and recorded two sacks as well as an interception.

"I will always love Grambling State University because they treated me with respect," said Cherry.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Cherry left a significant mark at Grambling State. He graduated with a degree in criminal justice and pursued a graduate degree in secondary education.

The University of Tennessee at Martin was Cherry's final destination in his college football career. In 2019, Cherry played in all 12 games while earning three starts for the Skyhawks at linebacker. He stacked 83 total tackles, including 35 solos and 48 assists. He also notched nine tackles for loss totaling 39 yards and tallied four sacks.

"It was a grind at Tennessee-Martin trying to balance out everything," said Cherry. "It was like a JUCO mentality all over again, but I still had that fight in me."

Cherry was recognized as the NCAA (FCS) National Defensive Player of the Week, OVC Defensive Player of the Week, and the TSWA Defensive Player of the Week.

"I didn't make plays like I wanted to. The coaches had confidence that more plays will come," said Cherry. "My mentality is to get as many reps as I can. If I'm going to make it to the next level, I have to excel myself. I took the good from the bad and made this situation positive."

Cherry's hard work and consistency are impressing NFL scouts. Cherry knows there is a chance an NFL team will give him a shot. He's a person that wants to learn and understands that he will still have a long way to go when he gets to the league.

"You have to be willing to learn the game. Don't be discouraged on what scouts say about you," said Cherry. "I would go to the coaches and see what I did wrong so I can make adjustments. You have to have the faith in believing in yourself."

Cherry is extremely thankful for his journey thus far but realizes this is just the beginning. Coahoma Community College was the place to go for Cherry in the offseason. While a Tiger, he worked out and helped out his coaches. He recognizes CCC as his stomping ground for life and will never forget what Coahoma has done for him.

Cherry's mother and father are the reason Cherry has the desire and faith to make it anywhere. He also has a deep bloodline in football that keeps him focused and humble.

"My family is so proud of me not giving up, and it has inspired others to do the same," said Cherry. "If you have faith and believe in yourself, you might accomplish more than you think."

His football bloodline traces back to brother Demetrius Cherry, Travis Henry (Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Denver Broncos), Ray Lewis (NFL Hall of Fame/Baltimore Ravens), Warren Sapp (Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders), and Alvin Harper (Dallas Cowboys).

"My bloodline was a big part of my journey. It's good to have them because they've been through this process," said Cherry. "When I was making those transitions, they got on me. They wanted the best for my life."

Cherry is one of several CCC athletes that are making an impact on the next level. Most importantly, he's winning the "game of life."