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Glancing at UNA’s current football roster, you wouldn’t know the school is located in Florence. Under coach Terry Bowden, the team lacked a local identity and did not feature a single player from Limestone County.
All that changed Wednesday when a group of local seniors signed letters-of-intent to attend UNA. Javin Thatch and Landon Stephen of Tanner, and Kamarine King of Athens will play football for the Lions beginning this fall.
King kicked thing off with an 8 a.m. ceremony announcing his decision to sign with UNA. Athens head coach Allen Creasy, said the Lions are getting more than just a great football player in King.
“Kamerine represented us well on the football field,” Creasy said. “He played at a high level, but the best compliment is how he represented us off the field. He is a much better person than football player. UNA knew they were getting a character individual.”
At Tanner, Thatch and Stephens announced their intentions in front of a large crowd in the high school’s library. With family and friends on hand, the pair signed their paperwork just before 10 a.m.
“It’s close to home, so a lot of people can come watch me play,” Stephens said. “One coach mentioned that I might be an option quarterback and coach Wallace said something about playing receiver. Whatever they want me to play.”
Thatch is a similar prospect, with the versatility to play multiple positions on the field. The All-State honorable mention selection said the coaching staff told him he would play slot receiver along with returning kickoffs.
The last Tanner prospect to sign with the Lions was Derrick Malone, who is no longer with the team. Thatch said the new coaching staff emphasized bringing in more local talent.
“They talked about local players being a big part when they won three national championships,” Thatch said. “The coaches really care about us. They want us to further our education and do well in school.”
Former UNA head coach Bobby Wallace returned last month to coach the Lions following the departure of Terry Bowden, who accepted the same position at Akron.
Wallace won three national championships with UNA during the 1990’s with a roster featuring mainly players from North Alabama.
“Our staff did a great job getting out on the road in a short period of time and pulling together an outstanding group of signees,” Wallace said in a press release Wednesday. “We wanted to get back into the high schools and were able to get 37 high freshman signees.”
It was one of the largest signing classes in school history, featuring 37 freshman and four junior college transfers.
Sports
Related Photos
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Landon Stephens, left, and Javin Thatch sign letters-of-intent Wednesday morning at the school.
Discussion
Local trio signs with UNA
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