Nine Bob Jones football players sign to play in college
Nine Bob Jones players signed to play football in college (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- Bob Jones coach Kevin Rose hit the 50 mark today, not in age, but in the number of players signing to play in college in the six years he has been at Bob Jones.
Bob Jones principal Robbie Parker kicked off the event.
“What I’m most proud of is they are furthering their education and they are going to graduate from the best high school in Alabama.”
Torrey Hunt led off by announcing he would attend Navy on a football scholarship. Of all the signees, Hunt has perhaps traveled the farthest. He did not start a game his junior year and had three catches. Hard work in the offseason paid off as he emerged to lead Bob Jones offense with 43 catches for 746 yards and 7 touchdowns. He had two kickoff returns for touchdowns which helped Bob Jones to victories against James Clemens and Hazel Green.
“I chose the Naval Academy because it is a top academic program, a quality football program, and member of the American Athletic Conference. It’s not just a football decision it is a life decision,” Hunt said. “My parents helped me get better so I could be in this position. My dad helped me through the process which was stressful.”
Hunt had offers from four schools and his decision came down to Navy and Tennessee Tech.
Torrey Hunt and parents Lee and Sheila Hunt
“I’m going to miss the people here at Bob Jones, everybody gets along,” said Hunt whose parents were both in the Army.
Hunt will first attend the US Navy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. The one year program (August-May) enhances midshipmen’s mental, physical and moral abilities to be successful at the naval Academy. He will play football on the NAPS team which plays other prep schools and junior colleges.
Jonathon Rice then signed with Northwestern as a preferred walk on.
“I chose Northwestern because I can get a great education. As a walkon I still have a lot to prove but I’m excited about the opportunity. If I want to live big I had to take some risk and this was what I had to do or I would regret it,” Rice said.
Rice, a multi-year starter at wide receiver, had 42 catches for 582 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. He had a similar offer from Vanderbilt but said Northwestern’s offense suited him better and the coaches acted like they wanted him more.
An outstanding student, Rice sports a 33 on the ACT but said that is the norm at Northwestern. Therefore he isn’t getting academic tuition assistance from NU.
“I’m taking a risk but I know I can go up there and prove myself and get a scholarship. The coaches showed a lot of interest in me. If I put on weight I can move to tight end, ” he said.
Defensive cornerback Jarek Taylor is the only signee to stay in state. He signed a full athletic scholarship with Samford University.
He was a soccer player until challenged by former Discovery Middle football coach Brad Jefferson to play football. He developed into a top corner and had several offers.
Samford hired former Murray State Coach Chris Hatcher who had been recruiting Taylor.
“I had a lot of advice from Mr. Parker , he graduated from there. My top offers were UT Martin, California, Memphis, and Middle Tennessee. It’s a great opportunity to have a full ride.”
Jarek Taylor
Taylor said he is undecided what he will study but may go into the pharmacy field.
Blake Prior battled injuries but had a stellar senior season.
“It was a long hard summer rehabbing but I was able to play by week one. Thanks to my coaches for believing in me when I was down. It was a lot of tough love. It was a fun two years I had all my fellow defensive linemen,” said Prior who signed with Division 2 Southwestern Oklahoma State along with Trent Lynch.
Three players, Jack Galloway, KeShawn Vaughn, and Brandon McNeil signed to play at Hudson Valley JUCO.
Santrez Burton signed with Lindsey Wilson College.
