By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Oct. 1, 2001
Meridian's C.C. Finley loves to engage people. Whether it be engaging opposing players on the football field or by engaging his teammates to greater effort, one can count on Finley being in the middle of things.
The fact that he is a middle linebacker for the Meridian High School Wildcats could explain things.
FInley's forte is hitting people.The 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior has been playing football since seventh grade.
When he moved up to Meridian High School, Finley was converted to a full-time linebacker.
That emotion is one of the reasons why Wildcat Head Coach Bill Sartin feels Finley is the key player on his team.
C.C. really works hard. He tries to be a leader every day ," Sartin said.
While Meridian has struggled this season posting a 1-4 record through its first five games, Finley continues to shine. The Wildcat defense has played well in four of the five games.
And even in its worst game, a 33-0 loss to Tupelo, Finley was still at his best.
FInley was at again on Friday night at Wayne County. Count War Eagles Head Coach Marcus Boyles as another Finley believer.
The Wildcat defender hopes that effort will result in a football scholarship.
Finley has the frame to play. He runs a solid 4.7 in the 40-yard dash. He is also very strong clearing 320 pounds in the bench press and 500-plus in the squat. He lists Southern Mississippi as his top choice, but not his only one.
When not playing football, Finley likes to spend time with his family, which includes his father, Odell Finley, mother Earna Finley along two brothers and a sister..
Football, though, remains a big part of Finley's future plans.
C.C. Finley
No. 31, Linebacker, Meridian Wildcats
Parents: Odell and Earna Finley
Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing and Football
Best Book read lately: The Hatchet.