Sometimes living in a small community isn’t so bad after all.

For Andy Maples, it’s almost as though being from Lester has been a blessing in disguise. After all, the current University of Missouri defensive lineman feels as though his days at West Limestone High that got him where he is now.

“It’s just been a blessing from God,” Maples said referring to his journey after high school.

Although Maples stood 6-foot-3 and was a little over 300 pounds, colleges weren’t exactly beating down the door recruiting him.

Convinced Maples was a legitimate prospect, former Wildcat football Coach Josh Lowe began sending out highlight tapes to various junior colleges — including the College of the Canyons in California. However, instead, the coach there decided to send the tape northward to the coaching staff at College of the Sequoias, in Visalia, Calif.

After watching Maples’ tape, the coach there was certain that he had found just what he was looking for and offered him a scholarship.

Shortly after, Maples made the move to California and began a new chapter in his life. But after only one season there, Maples was hot on the recruiting trail again. By the beginning of spring practice the following year, he had offers coming in, including several from SEC teams, Missouri and a few others.

After a visit to Missouri and keeping in close contact with the staff there, it wasn’t long before the Tigers offered him a scholarship.

“I really liked the treatment the players got there,” Maples said. “The coaches really care about academics and keep everything controlled and keep everyone disciplined. People make mistakes, and they remind us daily that we have a character to uphold. I really liked that.”

Due to being a red-shirt last season and having to overcome a broken foot that he received a little over a month ago, Maples stepped on the field for the first time in over a year on Saturday as the Tigers took on Nevada.

Although Maples wasn’t able to play in the Tigers opening game of the season against Illinois, friends, family and members of the Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church still made their way to St. Louis to cheer for Maples and his team. Maples said having them there was a blast.

“My heart melted when I saw them here,” Maples said. “I don’t get to go home much so it was good seeing them all here supporting me and my team. I just thank God for bringing them here.”

Maples is set to graduate in the Fall of 2009 with a degree in agricultural system management and said being able to accomplish what he has, being from a small town like Lester, makes him feel good.

“It just goes to show that just because you’re from a small town doesn’t mean that should stop you from doing what you want to do,” Maples said.