Over the weekend, three more Putnam County football players committed to play college ball. Seniors Kavar Andrews, Jason Clemons Jr., and Noah Long are headed to represent the War Eagles at the next level.
Putnam head coach Joel Harvin said he is proud of Andrews, Clemons, and Long for continuing their careers on the gridiron.
“[They each] played a pivotal role in our football program this past year,” Harvin said. “These guys are proof that hard work pays off, and I’m proud of each one of them for their commitment to our team. It’s great seeing guys get an opportunity to continue playing after high school.”
Andrews, a 5-foot-11, 160-pound defensive back, decided to stay in-state and play at Columbus State. He received his offer from the Cougars on March 1, and it didn’t take long for him to commit.
Andrews recently visited Columbus State and fell in love with the school. He said he chose the Tigers because of his relationship with the coaching staff and players, whom he met on his visit.
Andrews likes how the CSU coaches only host and offer players who they are really interested in.
“The coaches were upfront,” Andrews said. “They were the first college to take a look at a player like me.”
Andrews started at cornerback for Putnam last year. He was a leader in the secondary, and the highlight of his senior season was intercepting two passes in a 48-14 win over Towers on Senior Night.
“Kavar had a solid senior season and ended with a few interceptions,” Harvin said. “He was also an outstanding punter.”
Clemons also decided to remain in Georgia and committed to Clayton State. He will join fellow Putnam teammate Jamarion Robertson, who also recently committed to playing for the Lakers.
Clayton State offered Clemons after inviting him to visit, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
“I was given Coach Darvon Ingram’s phone number back in December,” Clemons said. “I sent him my film, and he asked me some questions about my GPA, position, and height and weight. [He was] trying to get to know me, and then he invited me on a visit, and I loved the school.”
Clemons played all over the field the past seasons, and Harvin said he enjoyed coaching him.
“Jason was a great utility guy for us who ended up playing linebacker and receiver,” Harvin said. “He was a leader for our program and was relied on heavily.”
Clemons would like to play receiver but said he line up at whatever spot the coaches assign him.
“I just want to play,” Clemons said. “Whatever position they see me best at, I’ll help the team out.”
Long revealed he committed to Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. The 6-foot-2, 285-pound offensive tackle will join fellow Putnam teammate Rashod Daniel in playing for the Phoenix.
Long received his offer from Cumberland in late January and then weighed his options. He ultimately chose the Phoenix because, like Daniel, he thought the staff made him feel welcome.
“The biggest part is how the coaches make their [players] feel like they’re part of a family, as well as a community where you help everyone get better as a whole,” Long admitted. “I really liked that.”
Long is also excited to block for Daniel again.
“It feels amazing to have a friend and a teammate to play with,” he said.
Long was the anchor of the Putnam offensive line during his senior season. He was named to the All-Region first-team offense after a solid performance in the trenches this past year for the War Eagles.
“Noah has been nothing but great for our program,” Harvin said. “He came in my first year and has been a solid offensive lineman for us. We moved him around and ran behind him almost every play.”