MADISON- National Signing Day has come and gone for 2018, but there were a bevy of signings out of the local high schools as seniors made their decisions known on which college they were planning on attending. Many of the student-athletes were given athletic scholarships while some received both athletic and academic grants.

JAMES CLEMENS

At James Clemens, two football players and one each soccer player and baseball player took advantage of the excitement surrounding National Signing Day by signing their names to assistance in attending the college of their choice.

Devon Atkinson, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound running back for the Jets chose to stay close to home to play for the Tennessee Valley Prep Sports Academy Defenders. The post-graduate program, where students attend Calhoun Community College, is new to the area, but boast lots of success behind a strong, discipline program. Atkinson, who missed all of his junior year at James Clemens due to a severe knee injury suffered just prior to his junior schedule, made a superb return to the action his senior year for the Jets.

Tyrell Winn, a 6-1, 310 offensive lineman chose to sign with Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas. Winn was a two-year starter for the Jets.

Rachel Bradberry, one of the elite players on the James Clemens girls’ soccer team, signed with Austin Peay University located in Clarksville, TN. The forward/striker for the Lady Jets signed with the Governors after two splendid seasons where she scored a team high 26 goals in 2016 and 28 in 2017 with a three year total of 69. She was twice named to the All-State Second Team. Her statistics of goals scored are both a season and career total team records.

Jacob Evans signed with Bevill State Community College located in Fayette, AL. The senior baseball player is looking at the moment the startup of the 2018 season for the Jets

SPARKMAN

The Sparkman Senators had six actual signees and one team member announced he was to be a preferred walk on at his college of choice.

Outside linebacker Ethan Caselberry signed with Virginia Military Institute. The VMI Keydets are located in Lexington, VA and Caselberry plans to major in economics and business. The three-year letter winner was named First Team All-State as a senior for the Senators after recording 112 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and blocked field goals. Even as a junior, the 6-4, 190 linebacker registered 61 tackles.

Quarterback Devin Kimbrough signed with Lindsey Wilson United Methodist College of Columbia, KY. The super talented signal caller helped the Senators to a 7-4 record and a first round playoff appearance for the squad under first year head coach Laron White.

Isaac Edwards, 6-4, 280 offensive lineman chose the Delta State Statesmen of Cleveland, MS. He was one of the mainstays of talent on the line that helped the Senators score 287 points on the season.

David Adams, another offensive lineman chose to sign with Montgomery’s Huntingdon College. Ernest Williams, a defensive back, helped lead the squad that gave up just 19 points per game. He signed with the Georgetown College Tigers of Kentucky. The orange and black tigers play in the NAIA. Nick Jarrett will play defensive line for the Garden City Junior College program next season after his signing with the school based in Kansas.

All-State athlete Hunter Gibson has decided to agree to be a preferred walk on at the University of South Alabama. The 6-0/190 multi-position player is looking to play for the USA Jaguars under new coach Steve Campbell.

MADISON ACADEMY

The Mustangs of Madison Academy had two football signings on the national spotlight day. Sean Dorney, a 6-foot, 200-pound kicker/punter signed with Arkansas Tech University of Russellville, Ark. Dorney was a second team All-State selection. He received both an athletic and academic scholarships. “I feel that Arkansas Tech is the best place for me as it is where I feel God is calling me to be,” said Dorney. “It is also where I feel I will make the biggest impact.”

Jaylin Brackett signed with the North Alabama Lions (UNA) and will celebrate his signing at a ceremony at a later date. The 5-11, 240 defensive lineman and running back will most likely play linebacker for the Lions.