Deep down, most high school football players would love to have the opportunity to sign a scholarship with a Division I program. Few will ever get the chance. Lee County High’s Jesse Freeman and Quan Jamison are two of the fortunate ones and they will have their opportunity to play at the highest level of college football.
On National Signing Day, Freeman, a 6’4”, 300-pound right tackle, inked a scholarship with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, while Jamison, a 6’, 180-pound defensive back, signed with the University of Buffalo. Signing with Division I programs is a goal both young men have had for several years. On one hand, placing their names on national letters of intent was the end of a long, difficult journey for both football players. On the other hand, it was the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.
Freeman is the brute of the pair. He’s always been a lineman and an oversized one at that. Interestingly, Freeman hasn’t played uninterrupted since he was in the ninth grade. Freeman played as sixth-grader then decided not to play for the next two years – one of the most crucial time periods in the development of young football players. “I was in a different school system then and I just didn’t want to play,” he recalls.
As a freshman, he was at Lee County High and football was fun again. As in his younger years, he was still one of the biggest players on the field. He knew he wanted to play for as long as possible. He just didn’t know how long that would be. Until he attended the MVP football camp the summer before his junior year. Freeman was named top offensive lineman at the prestigious camp and letters from colleges and universities began arriving almost daily. “That was a neat experience. I went to several other camps after that and I got a lot of good exposure,” he says.
Freeman had his pick of several very good football programs. He chose Louisiana-Lafayette over Middle Tennessee, UAB, and Georgia State, among others. “When I visited Louisiana-Lafayette, I knew that was where I wanted to go,” says the All State selection. “I liked the coaches and the campus had a great feel to it.”
Jamison had a similar experience. Though he was just at Lee County for two years, he was a four-year starter at the varsity level. He started his career at Mitchell County, where he was primarily a linebacker. When he moved to Lee County, Jamison transitioned to defensive back. “I believe playing on varsity when I was so young helped me become a good player. I was going up against older players and holding my own. I’ve played all over the field and I feel like I understand the game pretty well,” he says.
Like Freeman, Jamison attended a number of important camps and showcases. A natural leader who flies around the field in search of opposing ball carriers, Jamison’s speed and physical style of play drew great praise from the coaches and scouts at the showcases. Some of the same schools that contacted Freeman also sent Jamison letters. For him, the decision was pretty easy. “Buffalo has a great atmosphere and tradition. It’s also a great academic school. I definitely plan to get my degree. It has an outstanding coaching staff and it’s the kind of community I would love to get involved in,” he says. It didn’t hurt that the coaching staff let Jamison know that they weren’t interested in players who wanted to redshirt. “They want players who are ready to compete for a spot immediately,” he says.
Both players are ready to get to their respective schools and begin contributing to their new teams. Jamison and Freeman would like to make contributions on the field this season. “I want to be a great practice player but I also want to get on the field during games. I feel like I’ll have a chance to play as a freshman or sophomore but it’s going to take a lot of work,” says Freeman. Jamison would like to focus on his academics first then let the football pieces fall where they may. “I would like to keep a high grade point average and get a feel for college. This is an opportunity for me to represent this school and program, and I can’t wait to do that. If I can accomplish that, all the other stuff will take care of itself.”
Jesse Freeman and Quan Jamison are great friends who respect each other tremendously. They faced each other daily in practice and have one-on-one experience battling each other in the trenches. “Quan really gets after it. He’s a leader in practice and he’s very outspoken. He always gives 100 percent. I love his attitude,” says Freeman. Without hesitation, Jamison mentions Freeman’s mobility. “He’s quick off the ball and he comes at you on every play. When something as big as Jesse can move as fast as he can, it’s scary. He’s a blessing for any quarterback. He understands the game and he can get nasty really quickly.”
Special Feature/South Georgia/April 2014
Jesse Freeman and Quan Jamison
Lee County High School
Leesburg, Georgia
Robert Preston Jr.
Freeman, Jamison headed to Division I football programs
