NSD 2021: River Region prep football enjoys 'parade' of signees

Scenes from Wednesday’s signing day in the River Region. (Courtesy Stacy Mills and Jeff Davis athletics)

By GRAHAM DUNN

Tuesday may have been National Signing Day across the country.

But as with everything else in the sports world, this one had a different feel.

Instead of a “ceremony” in most places, a “parade” was the appropriate word as schools kept to COVID-19 protocols and kept recruits, family and friends apart on what is normally a day to have a party.

“It was different,” stated Robert E. Lee coach Eric Hudson, who had seven players sign on Wednesday. “Our administration basically gave us about 10 minutes to do this. Everything was kept separated so we could keep proper distance.”

Anquin Barnes signed with Alabama in December and was joined by Generals Reggie Davis, who signed with Chattanooga; Tyler Franklin, who signed with Lane College; Erick Stewart and William Middleton and A’Darious Horne all signing with New Mexico Military and Malcolm Hudson who signed with Tennessee Valley Prep.

The changes didn’t stop the players and their families from enjoying the moment. At Park Crossing, coach L.C. Cole and the school administration invited families for each individual recruit to enjoy their time at the podium. Six player signed letters of intent and each took an extra moment to enjoy the festitivies.

“With the way this season went, it feels great to get these young men to this point,” Cole said. “Back in the summer, we didn’t know if we would have a season and to be here today and celebrate the accomplishment of these seniors is remarkable. I am proud of each and every one of them.”

Park Crossing players who signed included Jaylin Brown with Delta State, Jayden Taylor with West Alabama, Joshua Rudolph with Austin Peay, Bernard Gooden with Wake Forest, DeMarcus Harris with Kentucky Christian and Quinton Gross with McPherson College.

At G.W. Carver, all eyes were on Juwon Gaston, who announced that he would sign with Auburn. The 5-foot-11defensive back had swapped back and forth with the chance of playing at South Carolina but staying close to home became the reason for picking the Tigers.

“I like Auburn and I’ve gotten to know the coaches well,” Gaston said. “(New coach Bryan) Harsin and I talked and I think the team will be improved.”

In Prattville, nine players joined December signee Ian Jackson (Alabama) including James Myers  and Jahmir Cromblin with Huntingdon; Jalin Herbert with  Independence Community College; Ghvon Furlow with New Mexico Military Institute; Spencer Roy with University of Dubuque and Tim Trotter with Georgia Military College. 

William Whitlow was one of four players from Stanhope Elmore to sign on Wednesday. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive end will play for American Athletic Conference member Memphis next season.

Other players signing from the River Region included Wetumpka’s Colby Golson, who signed with West Alabama; Pike Road’s Harrison Wallace, who signed with Penn State along with L.J. McCloud, who signed with Georgia Southern; Jeff Davis offensive lineman Jacqui Graham, who signed with Middle Tennessee State.