Wednesday, February 7, 2024, nine Coffee Trojan football players from the undefeated state championship team signed letters of intent to play college football at a ceremony in the Coffee High School Performing Arts Center.
The nine players who signed are running back Fred Brown (Fort Valley State University), defensive back Tyriq Edwards (Cumberland University), lineman Jerzabeon Grant (Georgia Military College), defensive end Larenzo Harvey (Fort Valley State University), receiver Pat McCall (Cumberland University), defensive end Elgie Paulk (Highland Community College), center Gabe Rewis (Methodist University), defensive back Jaquavious Simpkins (Thomas University), and lineman Glentavious Turner (Thomas University).
“December 13, 2023, I think most would say is the greatest day in Coffee football history. It was really good. Really good. But today is like Christmas Day for a coach. When you have guys that have bought in and – this is a common theme for each of these guys – if you go look at the Men of Summer attendance record, you don’t see any red by their name. Red means they didn’t show up. They’ve been there all four years all summer long. What we do is not easy. It’s very difficult. It’s very time consuming. It’s very physical. I can’t tell you how proud I am of these nine guys – and Anthony Paulk, who already signed and is at Charleston Southern – who are going to have a chance to further not only their football career but their education,” said head coach Mike Coe Wednesday morning.
He continued: “There are some great testimonies in these seats right here in front of me. Some of these guys have been through some stuff. Everyone has something they’re dealing with. At the end of the day, the world doesn’t care. That’s life. It’s not fair. It’s all about how you respond to it – not react but respond. These guys responded the right way. Fellas, this is your day and I’m extremely proud of you.”
In December, Anthony Paulk signed with Charleston Southern and reported to school in early January. Nearly half of the 2023 starters have signed with colleges and universities to continue their playing careers.
Here are a few statistics from the nine who signed Wednesday:
Fred Brown: 358 carries for 2,488 yards and 24 touchdowns. 4 receptions for 86 yards and 1 touchdown. Set the single-season school rushing record and was the GHSA’s leading rusher.
Tyriq Edwards: 34 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown. 11 catches for 179 yards.
Jerzabeon Grant: Team leading 53 pancake blocks.
Larenzo Harvey: 56 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks.
Pat McCall: 45 catches for 503 yards and 5 touchdowns.15 carries for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Elgie Paulk: Team high 78 total tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, team best 11 sacks.
Gabe Rewis: 27 pancake blocks.
Jaquavious Simpkins: 38 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 1 interception.
Glentavious Turner: 47 pancake blocks.
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