Written By: Matthew Fuller and Dana Conley
Photos Courtesy: Coley Birchfield and Garrett McIntyre
Two Jacksonville High School Golden Eagles will take their talents on the football field to the collegiate level. On this National Signing Day, Jewels Gray and Cole Gaddy each signed letters of intent.
Gray had seven total offers but in the end, he chose a unique way to reveal his choice by popping a balloon and pulling out a hat for his choice, University of the Cumberlands, a NAIA school in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Gray, a wide receiver for the Golden Eagles, made all-Calhoun County this past year as a wide receiver and earned honorable mention all-state. Gray said he didn’t make his final decision to join the Patriots until early this morning. “The campus, facilities, and the all around vibe at the University of Cumberlands were exceptional, which led me to sign with them for the next four years.”
Gaddy, who also had seven offers, broke a school record for the most varsity game starts over the past four years. He chose Belhaven, an NCAA Division III college located in Jackson, Mississippi. Gaddy, was also all-county offensive lineman, believes that he’ll get the most experience in his positions as an offensive lineman, defensive lineman and long-snapper at Belhaven. “I am thankful to the Lord for this opportunity, thankful for my family who supports me and for my friends who are always there for me. Go Blazers.” Gaddy added that the fact Belhaven is a faith-based campus also weighed heavily in his decision.
