Christian Malone
VALDOSTA — Valdosta High had another strong showing on Signing Day, signing eight football players to college letters-of-intent.
Valdosta has signed a combined 29 players to letters-of-intent in the past three years, and could have a couple more players sign from this senior class.
“We’re proud of these guys, and pleased they are getting this opportunity to further their education and continue to play football,” Valdosta assistant coach Welton Coffey said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for these young men, and we hope they take advantage of it.”
Offensive lineman Jim Martin signed with Georgia Southern. Martin, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound All-Region left tackle, said he feels like he’ll fit in well at Georgia Southern. The Eagles are transitioning from the triple option offense they’ve run for many years to a more pass-oriented offense under new head coach Brian Van Gorder.
“Coach Van Gorder said they are going to use a lot of the same blocking schemes we used here,” Martin said. “They need some taller tackles with their new offense. It’s a big deal to me to go to Georgia Southern. They have a great history, with all of their national championships, and I look forward to playing for them.”
West Georgia came down to Valdosta and signed two Wildcat players. Wide receiver Steve Dawson, an honorable mention All-State selection, and offensive lineman Andrew DeLong, who was second-team All-Region this season, are both going to play for the Wolves.
Dawson caught 37 passes for 512 yards this season, and also returned kicks and punts for the Wildcats. He also rushed for 80 yards on six carries, and threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to teammate Travis Hall for the winning score against Tift County. Simply put, he was a do-it-all player, and West Georgia hopes to take advantage of his versatility.
“They said I’ll be a Reggie Bush type of (versatile) player for them,” Dawson said. “I’ll be a receiver, kick returner, punt returner, and maybe run it some. I can’t wait to play for them.
“I had several schools interested in me, but I signed with West Georgia because they offered me the best deal. It’s hard to turn down a full ride to a program like theirs.”
Defensive tackle Dedrick Miley, who was a second-team All-Region player this year, signed with Tennessee Tech.
“I’m excited about the chance to play for Tennessee Tech,” Miley said. “They said they think I can be a good player for them. It means a lot to me to be going to college, and being able to play football.”
Brandon Wrice, who caught eight passes for 183 yards this year for the Wildcats, earning second-team All-Region honors at tight end, signed with Fort Valley State. He will be a receiver and will remain a Wildcat.
“I’m still going to be a Wildcat. It will be a Fort Valley Wildcat instead of a Valdosta Wildcat, but it’s still the Wildcats,” Wrice said. “I’m excited about going to play for Fort Valley.”
Strong safety Jarvis Stokes and defensive lineman Keir Moore will remain teammates a little longer. Stokes and Moore signed with Shaw University. At Shaw, they will also be reunited with former Valdosta players Anthony Spates and Latavius Patterson.
“They know that we play good football at Valdosta,” Moore said. “It will be great to play with Jarvis, and with Anthony and Latavius.”
“I’m glad Keir’s going up there with me, so I’ll know somebody on the team,” Stokes said. “Now they’ll have four Wildcats on the team.”
Moore’s versatility will continue to be tested. As a sophomore, he was a fullback, then played tight end as a junior and was an All-Region defensive tackle as a senior. Now Shaw plans to use him at linebacker.
“Wherever they put me, I’ll play. I just like being on the field,” Moore said. “They may try me at running back, too.”
Wide receiver Antonio Bellamy, who caught nine passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, but also had two long touchdown catches called back, will be going to Edward Waters College.
“It’s great to have a chance to play in college,” Bellamy said. “Not everyone gets a chance. I didn’t know if I would after I got injured (early in the season), but when Edward Waters saw my highlight tape, they wanted me, and I’m glad.”
Some of Valdosta’s signees have not played their final games at the Wildcats’ hallowed Cleveland Field after all. Valdosta State also plays their home games at Cleveland Field, and both West Georgia and Fort Valley State are scheduled to play at VSU soon (Fort Valley this year, West Georgia in 2007). Also, Edward Waters plays a game there next season.
“That’s going to be great for me and Andrew, coming back to play here,” Dawson said. “That is a special place for all of us Wildcats.”
“I can’t wait to come back and play there,” Wrice said. “I might have to bang my helmet on the tin one more time.”
