COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Timpson native Terry Bussey is in his first year at Texas A&M University and he's already making big plays for the Aggies.
At Timpson, Bussey played quarterback, known for his explosive speed and playmaking abilities. He led the Timpson Bears to a state championship in 2023 and earned offensive MVP honors. He threw for 5,981 yards and rushed for 5,361 yards, with 169 touchdowns, while racking up 270 tackles and 24 interceptions during his high school career.
Although technically a defensive back, he's also getting reps at running back for the 12th Man. The East Texan broke off a 65-yard touchdown in Week 2 against McNeese State for his first collegiate score.
"I've been playing a bunch of stuff since I was little, so it's been a little bit adjustment, but not really," said Bussey. "I just go out there, be an athlete, using the ability that I have, and the gift God gave me and just doing everything I need to do to help us win, help us make plays."
The college game is much different than high school, and Bussey is already pinpointing areas -- on and off the field -- in which he could use improvement.
"Mental stuff for the game, like how to run routes, how to guard, technique, and footwork," said Bussey. "Also, time management. You don't have people telling you have to be here, or be there, you just have to be able to do it on your own. They're trusting you to do it, so you just have to take that accountability and deal with it."
Representation is so important in small towns -- and in athletic spaces. Athletes from the Pineywoods community see others like Patrick Mahomes, Trent Williams and Demarvion Overshown making a difference in the NFL, and it makes them more aware of the importance of being a role model for their community on a national stage.
"Usually people like us from small towns, don't feel like they can make it this far, or they ain't don't think they have schools looking at them," said Bussey. "But just being able to come up from where we come from, and doing what we're doing now really helps motivate the young kids for the future and stuff like that. Keep going. Don't give up. Just keep going. Keep fighting. It's all you can do."