Last Thursday, Putnam County football held a signing ceremony for five players who will continue their careers at the next level.
The event was held in the school theatre, where Kavar Andrews (Columbus State), Jason Clemons Jr. (Clayton State), Rashod Daniel (Cumberland University), Noah Long (Cumberland University), and Jamarion Robertson (Clayton State) formally signed and confirmed their commitments to play for their respective schools.
Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin was justifiably proud of all five seniors.
“We have 45 to 50 kids on the team, and 11 of those are seniors. And half of those are going somewhere to play, which is awesome,” Harvin said of those signing. “For them to have an opportunity to go further their career in whatever sport they want is good, but then to able to play college football is awesome — and it’s encouraging.”
After the signing ceremony, Harvin spoke highly of Andrews, Clemons, Daniel, Long, and Robertson. He coached each of them for the last two years of their high school careers and said he saw them grow, both on and off the field.
Harvin said each was a great student and discussed how they impacted the program in his first two years.
“These five guys, man, if they didn’t have high academics, they wouldn't be able to go play the ball that they’re going to play [in college],” Harvin explained. “It goes hand in hand. As long as they’re doing what they’re supposed to in the classroom, the options are unlimited for what they can do when they get there.”
Harvin hopes the current junior class, soon to be rising seniors, took notice.
Harvin and his War Eagle staff constantly encourage their younger players to follow the path these five seniors took.
“It doesn't matter where you’re at,” he insisted. “They’re going to find you, and if a school likes you enough, they’ll give you an offer. If you’re a good enough player, you’re going to get an offer, so I think it means a lot to our underclassmen because of us being a smaller school.
“You may have that mindset of, well, we may not be able to have kids sign, but if you’re a good enough player, they’ll find you,” Harvin repeated. “I think that means a lot to those guys.”
Harvin said he hopes that athletes from other sports at Putnam County will also feel inspired to find a collegiate home. He thinks the football signing ceremony benefits the entire athletic department.
“It gives them an idea that, hey, if you want to participate in athletics, you have an avenue to be able to have a chance to go to the next level,” Harvin said. “I think that always speaks for the athletic department in general.”