Vicksburg High had a good football team in 2008, going 9-3 and reaching the second round of the playoffs. And they did it with 36 seniors.

Despite all that, though, the phones have been eerily quiet so far this recruiting season. Few college coaches are calling for tape on players, to set up visits, or even chat with players. It’s a strange occurrence for a school that has sent numerous players on to the Division I ranks, including Mississippi State receiver Delmon Robinson last year.

“I wish I knew. It’s a weird year,” said VHS offensive coordinator Jackie Williamson, the team’s recruiting coordinator. “I’ve never had a year like this. Normally, there’s somebody trying to sign somebody.”

Some coaches have come knocking. Hinds Community College put receiver Malcolm Butler, offensive lineman Jarvis Holmes, and quarterback Les Lemons on its protected list, meaning they can’t sign with any Mississippi junior college except for Hinds.

Lemons has also received a scholarship offer from Alcorn State. Lemons figured to be the one breakout player from the Gators’ big senior class, though. In three seasons as a starter, he’s played wide receiver, defensive back and quarterback, and returned kicks. He caught 63 passes in only two seasons at receiver before switching to quarterback this year, and turned in a solid performance by throwing for 884 yards and running for 932 more. Lemons finished his career with nearly 3,000 total yards, and figures to play wide receiver on the next level. His size, only about 6 feet tall and 190 pounds, might be a concern, but Williamson thinks his versatility and speed can compensate for that. Besides his skills on the field, Lemons has also taken care of his academics. He’s made a 17 on the ACT, which qualifies him to play next season. A half-dozen other Gators with college aspirations have also qualified academically. Lemons said the process has been frustrating. He’s sent highlight tapes to nearly a dozen schools, but has barely gotten a nibble.

“It’s frustrating,” he said. “It’s hard to think about. In the back of my mind, I’m wondering ‘why not me?’”

Vicksburg head coach Alonzo Stevens, who was an assistant at Alcorn State in the early 1990s, said he tries to tell his players not to think that. Having been on both sides of the recruiting battle, he realizes it often comes down to a numbers game for schools.

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Contact Ernest Bowker at ebowker@vicksburgpost.com.