Putnam County football senior Tyson Waller recently competed in the Athens-Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) All-Star game at Clarke Central High School at Billy Henderson Stadium.
Waller got the chance to play in the game after being nominated by one of his high school coaches. The senior was very appreciative of getting to play one last time in his War Eagle helmet.
“The opportunity was a blessing,” Waller told The Eatonton Messenger. “It was also a great chance to compete with some of the best players in the area. I am very thankful to play in the game.”
Waller played outside linebacker for the Red team during the game and made a couple of key tackles. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defender recorded three tackles and one for a loss in a 14-14 tie.
Walker played the past four years at Putnam County and was a crucial part of the War Eagles’ success for three years under Shaun Pope and one year for Joel Harvin.
Waller acknowledged the transition was tough, but the program learned a lot about itself in the process.
“It went good,” Waller said. “We had a lot of ups and downs. A lot of obstacles to overcome. With coach Pope retiring, it was a lot to take in. We had to learn a lot of new stuff under coach Harvin.”
Waller felt like he and his senior teammates left a mark on Putnam County as one of its winningest classes. The 2024 group won 36 games in their four seasons with the program under two coaches.
Most notably, Waller and the class of 2024 helped the War Eagles go 12-1 as sophomores in 2021. They captured the team’s first region title since 2010 and made a quarterfinal appearance that year.
“I know we were one of the strongest classes,” Waller said. “Many people doubted us this year and wouldn’t think we would make the playoffs because of the coaching change, but we did it. I think we overcame adversity and proved them wrong. That’s what kind of mark we left for the future.”
According to Waller, he learned a lot about himself this past year. He was able to step up and become a leader on the team, which is something he said he hadn’t done in the past.
“When I was an underclassman, I wasn’t a leader. I had to look up to other guys for leadership,” Waller said. “I had to step into a new role and be a leader for the younger guys this year. That was a challenge, but it was rewarding. It felt good because I know they listened to me and the others.”
Now, Waller has his sights set on where he will continue his education and football career. He already has a few schools recruiting him, including Union College and Cumberland University, among others.
Waller is very familiar with Union College because it’s where two of his former teammates – Devtravius Smith and Brayon Farley – are playing. Waller would love to play with those two again.
“They tell me about school, and I know they’re heavily recruiting me,” Waller said. “I need to go visit. I will start doing that in January and see if any more offers come in. Then I will make my decision.”
Waller said he will likely sign on National Signing Day, Feb. 7, 2024.