JACKSON -- While Millsaps College players were finishing up practice Tuesday afternoon running gassers on their home stadium turf, members of the New Orleans Saints came trudging down the hill from the Majors' upper practice fields, following a 90-minute practice.

Two vastly different teams sharing the same small college space. And while the Saints play in the NFL and are paid, often handsomely, the Millsaps players are here for free. Being an NCAA Division III member means no athletic scholarships.

Despite the disparity, the Majors are appreciative of their guests, especially three former Vicksburg High Gators.

“I think it's a big advantage for us. It's bringing exposure to Millsaps College everyday,” Millsaps defensive end Casey Younger said. “It's helping us attract some real talent to our team.”

Marcus Harris, a sophomore defensive back, agrees.

“It's more exposure to the school. The media. The fans who come in to see the Saints. Our practice facilities and our stadium are shown on TV every night,” Harris said.

And when the Saints leave in 5 days, the Majors will be left with NFL quality practice fields and an NFL size locker room.

“Everything here is now top-notch. We can easily compare our facilities to those in Division I,” Younger said. “From the practice fields to that really nice fieldhouse with the big lockers.”

The only thing the ex-Gators have not enjoyed on an NFL level is the campus food.

“Nah, we get the leftovers. They are on a different kind of diet than we are,” Younger said. “The Saints get anything they want. They dine big up there.”

The Majors also get to converse with the Saints as fellow football players.

“We've been able to watch a few of their practices,” sophomore defensive end Marcus Stokes said. “I've been able to meet a couple of the players individually like Charles Grant, Donté Stallworth and Joe Horn.

“I've also spent some time with one of the linebackers, (Tommy) Polley. He's shown me some techniques they use,” Stokes said of the six-year NFL vet who signed with the Saints as a free agent after leading the Baltimore Ravens last year in tackles with 134.

And then there is Reggie Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner from Southern Cal and soon-to-be NFL phenom.

“We see him all the time. He's closer to our age, just out of college,” Younger said.

“But he's pretty quiet,” Harris adds.

“Yeah, but he's cool,” Younger said.

Since they go to school full-time at Millsaps and know the Jackson area well, the Gator Majors can provide the Saints with some useful information.

“Yeah, the older guys, they ask us all the time about night spots. What type of entertainment can they find,” Younger said.

Yes, having the Saints here has brought all kinds of benefits, perhaps none bigger than a renewed sense of pride for the Majors.

“People used to look down on us because we're in Division III, but there are good athletes in all levels of football,” Younger said. “Now, they see we're pretty good.”

“Millsaps College is made for intelligent athletes,” Harris said. “I know when I leave here I'm going to have connections. We're going to class every day with future lawyers and doctors. The people here are going to be successful.