USC Gamecock football player Joshua Blue, left, earned college credit while a senior at Marlboro County High School through Northeastern Technical College’s Dual Credit Program. Clemson Tiger football player Mario Marshall, right, also earned college credit while a senior at Chesterfield High School through Northeastern Technical College’s Dual Credit Program.

November 9, 2011
NETC Prepared a Tiger and a Gamecock for College

Making the transition from high school to college requires changes in study habits, time management and personal responsibilities.

It’s a tough change for most college freshmen, but for student athletes like Joshua Blue and Mario Marshall who play football for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers, respectively, learning how to study is key to maintaining a good GPA.

While Joshua and Mario are rivals on the gridiron, both came through Northeastern Technical College’s Dual Credit Program while in high school and enrolled in their respective universities well prepared for college.

Joshua, who is a running back for the Gamecocks, enrolled in NETC’s Dual Credit program his senior year at Marlboro County High School because he wanted to get a head start on earning college credits.

“Because I took Psychology 201 in high school through NETC’s Dual Credit Program, I was able to enroll in upper level psychology classes here at USC. As a psychology major, I gained an early advantage as I work toward my degree,” Joshua said.

Joshua, of Tatum, took a total of four Dual Credit classes while in high school.

“Taking college level courses and playing sports while in high school taught me how to study better, apply myself more and be better prepared for tests,” Joshua said. “It was good preparation for me now that I am playing football for USC while earning a bachelor’s degree.”

Joshua started at USC in the fall of 2010. In January, he earned a spot on the Gamecocks football team during walk-on tryouts, which is no easy feat when over 200 sign up to vie for three spots on the team.

“Coach Steve Spurrier is an awesome coach. I’m really glad he gave me the chance to play on the team,” Joshua said.

Mario also earned his spot on a Division I college football team by walking on. As a former player for the three-time state championship winning Chesterfield High School Rams, Mario decided to give the walk-on tryouts at Clemson a shot. He was picked for a tight end position.

“Coach Dabo Swinney is a pretty amazing guy. He’s a hard worker and pushes us to do our best,” Mario said.

Like Joshua, Mario got a taste of what college would be like through NETC’s Dual Credit Program. When he entered Clemson University in the fall of 2010, he felt prepared for the rigors of college.

“The Dual Credit courses required more studying than my other classes in high school, so I had to learn to manage my time better. If you take Dual Credit classes, you need to go into the class with an open mind and be ready to work and to learn,” Mario said.

Mario, of Chesterfield, took three courses that earned him college credit at Clemson. He has set his sights on a career in the business world and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Joshua would like to work in education as a guidance counselor or a similar role where he can help young people find direction in their lives.

On Saturday, November 26, these two will be on opposite sides of the sidelines when the Gamecocks take on the Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Who’s going to go home with bragging rights?

“Talent wise, we won’t be outmatched. We just have to execute our game plan,” says the Clemson Tiger.

“We’re just playing one game at a time and learning from every game, whether it’s a win or loss. Hopefully, on November 26, it’ll be a win,” says the USC Gamecock.

Both Joshua and Mario have already won big off the football field by being college prepared while still in high school. To learn more about the Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment programs, click High School Students or call 843-921-6995.

The Application Deadline for the spring semester for new and returning students is Friday, December 9.

An NETC admission application may also be filled out and submitted online by clicking Admissions and then clicking on Apply Online in the box on the right side of the page. For more information, call NETC’s Admissions Office at 843-921-6933.

Students seeking financial aid should start the process by visiting www.FAFSA.ed.gov and completing the federal application. More information about financial assistance is also available by visiting the Financial Aid page or by calling 1-800-921-7399.