NATIONAL SIGNING DAY: Ray chooses Alabama; five other Jets sign

Published 4:47 pm Wednesday, February 1, 2017

James Clemens High School’s gymnasium resembled a movie set Wednesday afternoon with all the cameras pointed at the state’s top-rated high school football player, LaBryan Ray.

Ray, along with five other James Clemens seniors put pen to paper Wednesday as part of national signing day, the first day high school recruits may sign with colleges.

In total, five James Clemens football players and one soccer player signed with colleges across the country.

In addition to Ray, Brody Collier, Brett Bennett, Michael Sharpley and John Jenkins signed national letters of intent at a ceremony in the school’s gymnasium.

“We will look back at these young men and realize that they were the foundation for our program,” said James Clemens head coach Wade Waldrop. “These are five outstanding young men. Each one of them have their own unique story of how they got here. They’ve sacrificed many things to be here at these tables. These guys are a great representation of what we are about.”

While all six James Clemens signees were recognized Wednesday, all eyes were on the five-star defensive end, who announced last and kept his college choice a closely guarded secret until the very end when he pulled out an Alabama cap.

Ray, won the 7A Lineman of the Year award for the second straight year a few weeks ago and is the No. 2 rated defensive end in the country by 247 Sports. He chose Alabama over Florida, Tennessee and Ole Miss.

“We knew from the first time we saw him, God had blessed him with the physical tools to play football. What we didn’t know then was the humility, character, humbleness and work ethic he had,” said Waldrop. “For the past four years, he hasn’t changed one bit. The success with being a great player has not changed his humility.”

Jenkins becomes the first James Clemens football player to attend Harvard University. He also held offers from several other Division I schools including Troy and the Army and Navy service academies.

“It’s been a blessing to play for what I think is the best coaching staff in the country,” said Jenkins. “Whatever I do in life, I will forever be a James Clemens Jet. It’s time to start the next chapter in my life — go Harvard!”

Sharpley will attend Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. The defensive lineman was part of a Jets front-seven that, on average, held opponents to less than 13 points per game for two straight seasons.

“Mike has been with us for two years. He’s got an outstanding family,” said Waldrop. “He’s brought so much to our program. He’s been through a lot of adversity. For his family and our program, we are pleased he’s able to go to the next level and play college ball.”

A two-year starter on the offensive line, Bennett signed with the University of North Alabama. He played guard at James Clemens for the past two years after playing tight end his freshman and sophomore season. He will play guard and long snapper at UNA. Collier will join Bennet at UNA on the offensive line. A three-year starter for the Jets on the offensive line, Collier can play anywhere along the line for the Lions.

“Brody has a special place in my heart. He had to work very hard to get to this point,” said Waldrop. “As a freshman, we thought he had the ability to play at the next level. Over the past four years, he has developed the mentality to play college football.”

James Clemens had one soccer player sign Wednesday — Aubrei McFall signed with Louisiana Tech University. The center midfielder led the team in assists and was second on the team in goals her junior season.