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Two members of the Thomson High School Bulldogs signed letters of intent Feb. 1 to play college football.
John Atkins, who played nose guard, signed to play for the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Kentrell Reynolds, a defensive back, signed his letter to play for Coffeyville Community College in southeastern Kansas.
The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Atkins was named to The Augusta Chronicle’s 2011 All-Area Team. Atkins also plays basketball and soccer.
Reynolds was an honorable mention on the All-Area squad. He also plays basketball.
The Coffeyville Red Ravens, who play in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference, finished the 2011 season with a 6-4 mark. The school is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. First-year coach Aaron Flores will first lead the squad against the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons on Aug. 25.
Left tackle Mark Beard of the 2011 Coffeeville squad recently signed with the Georgia Bulldogs. In all, 16 members of the 2011 squad have signed with four-year schools. Former Red Ravens include Brandon Jacobs and Devin Thomas of the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
Atkins asked his friends and fans in Thomson to watch his career at Athens. “Just keep on riding me until I get better,” he said.
Atkins said he is prepared for another level of expectation, such as the media focus that was evidenced at the signing in the school media center.
“Just stay focused and don’t let anything distract you from your dreams,” he said.
Reynolds said he has not visited the Kansas college. He said he was offered the scholarship based on a tape that was sent by the Thomson football staff. He said he hopes to study business management and to return to Thomson. “I’m going to give back to the community,” he said.
Classmates, family and current and former coaches attended the ceremony.
Coach and athletic director Milan Turner said more THS players probably will sign college letters within the next two weeks.
