Five sign at Bob Jones on National Signing Day

Bob Jones football players sign scholarship papers L to R Kendall Randolph, Tucker Walters, Brady Polson, A.J. Harris, and Brad Anderson (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- It had the feel of a holiday at Bob Jones Wednesday as five football players signed scholarship papers to play college football. The ceremony was moved the the competition gym to accommodate several hundred students.

Coach Kevin Rose kicked off the ceremony.

“These players have represented Bob Jones in a first class manner. They were leaders on the field, in the weightroom, and in the classroom.”

In prepared remarks the players thanked parents, coaches, teachers, and Kendall Randolph thanked lunchroom workers for taking care of his large appetite.

But in remarks to media the overarching theme from the players was how pleased they were with their choices. Kendall Randolph (Alabama), A.J. Harris (Mississippi), Brad Anderson (Middle Tennessee State) and Tucker Walters (UNA) committed early in the recruiting process and never wavered. They knew for weeks even months their destination.

Quarterback Brody Polson went up to signing day unsure what he would do.

“I had a walkon offer at Troy and offers from Faulkner and Union NAIA schools. I never considered just being a student because I love playing the game and I feel I can play at any level. I wasn’t planning on signing today but after I went on my visit to Carson Newman I knew it was right for me.”

Carson Newman is a baptist affiliated Division 2 school in Jefferson City, Tenn.

“I plan on getting my business and my seminary degree there so being able to put those two things together is amazing. The coaching staff cared about me in the short time I knew them.”

Polson echoed the theme about his teammates.

“We are all excited about where we are going, we found our home. Different levels, different divisions but we are all happy for each other.”

All five players were three year starters at Bob Jones. A.J. Harris was a four year starter.

Polson set a school record starting 28 straight games at quarterback.

“I was blessed to stay healthy and to have a coaching staff that put me on the field.”

Polson signed a partial scholarship with possibility of working up to full which is important because the average cost to go there is $38,000 a year.