As a football player, there’s no greater feeling than being able to perform in front of your home crowd. The feeling is only multiplied when your “home fans” are truly that; playing in an area of familiarity or close to home is indescribable. Your family is always in the stands to shower you with love and support. They’ve watched you grow, from Pop Warner all the way to the high school level. The fans are also friends; people you have known for years, and people that cause you to take extreme pride in everything that you do.
As Valdosta State University bids adieu to the seniors that gave their all to Blazer Nation, there will be a new crop of area talent taking the field to leave their mark on the legacy of Titletown, USA.
Colquitt County High School
Ricky Dunbar (Defensive End)
After you go undefeated and take home a state championship in the highest classification in Georgia, the sky is the limit. Dunbar was part of a Packers team that capped off a 15-0 season with a 28-24 title win over Archer (Lawrenceville, Ga.) in front of thousands of Colquitt faithful. The 2014 All-Region First Team selection looks to major in business; in the meantime, his work ethic and pass rushing ability are key attributes to push towards his goal of being named an All-American.
Tomarcio Reese (Linebacker)
An All-Region First Team selection, Reese was a key player in the secondary of Colquitt’s championship team. His excitement and dependability, both on and off the field, will bring a special flavor to the Blazers that only he can offer. Although currently undecided on a major, Reese is confident that his drive will allow him to be the best possible student-athlete during his stint at Valdosta State.
Alex Williams (Defensive End)
Another All-Region First Team selection, Williams was a terror on the defensive line for the Packers. His effort and drive will be valuable assets to the Blazers, and his talent should translate to the college level seamlessly. He was swayed to Valdosta State because of the “family” atmosphere; he felt at home with the coaches and players during his visit. His future goal is to become a football coach.
Javonta Woods (Safety)
Woods is all about business, both on and off the field. He is a state champion, an All-Region First-Team selection, and he recognizes that his hard work and leadership, when combined with the winning ways of the Blazers, will translate to success on the field. In the classroom, it is only fitting that a business degree is his end goal.
Lanier County High School
Calvin Wright (Cornerback, Wide Receiver)
Wright unfortunately had to miss his entire senior season in Lakeland, Ga.; however, his heart, work ethic, and drive to constantly improve his game were more than enough to impress the Blazers staff. A versatile athlete, he is used to seeing action on both sides of the ball. His talent extends beyond the field as well; he plans to pursue a career in medicine while attending Valdosta State. He chose VSU because of their academics and football program, and he looks forward to being the type of student-athlete that can make Titletown proud.
Tiftarea Academy
Charlie Massey (Safety)
Charlie Massey brings Panther pride from Chula, Ga. (seven miles north of Tifton), to Valdosta State. During his junior year, his team was 1-10; Massey’s leadership, along with his fellow seniors, led the Panthers to a 7-4 record in his final season at Tiftarea; his favorite memory from that season was a nail-biting 35-34 overtime win over Southland Academy (Americus, Ga.) to help clinch a playoff spot. He was hooked by the school’s football program, and he is certain that his presence will add to the strength and determination of the team.
Tift County High School
Jaelan Johnson (Defensive Tackle, Defensive End)
According to Blue Devils’ head coach John Reid, the Blazers have snatched up the best defensive tackle in the state in Johnson. An All-Region Second Team selection, Johnson was also a participant in the Florida-Georgia War of the Borders game in Folkston, Ga., in February. He aspires to become a physical trainer, but in the immediate future, his goal is simply stated: He wants a national championship with the Blazers.
Austin Mangelsdorf (Long Snapper)
Mangelsdorf saw his share of action from just about everywhere on the field you could imagine. After spending time throughout his career at fullback, tight end, and defensive tackle, the honorable mention All-Region 1-AAAAAA selection will be shifting his skills to long snapper for the Blazers. His Blue Devils finished with a 7-4 record in their senior season, including his favorite memory, a 35-28 overtime win over the Lowndes Vikings on the road. He looks forward to tackling a pre-med track in college.
Hunter Winters (Offensive Line)
Winters lands on campus at Valdosta State with the grit and versatility that the Tift County Blue Devils grew to love and expect on the gridiron. He brings leadership and a will to win that cannot be matched by many. He was an All-Region First Team selection his senior year, and he also participated in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association’s North-South All-Star Game. He plans to major in sports medicine, and would like to become a coach or teacher.
Valwood School
Marik Merine, Running Back
Merine will be the lone Valiant arriving on campus this fall, but the resilience of this former GISA standout will help him fit in quickly. He is no stranger to success; as a junior, he was a key component of the Valwood football team that went 14-0 and captured the Class AA State Championship. He was drawn to VSU after seeing the camaraderie amongst the football team, and he is confident that he can be a weapon on the offensive side of the ball. He enters college with aspirations of becoming a physical therapist.
Other Signees:
Lowndes High School
Malik Austin (Defensive Tackle)
Alex Brown (Cornerback, Running Back)
Justin Fuller (Tight End, Defensive Tackle)
Demarcus Jackson (Wide Receiver)
Crisp County
Witt Campbell (Quarterback)
South Georgia/June 2015
Valdosta State University Football
Valdosta, Ga.
by James Washington
Photography by Micki K Photography
