ROCKINGHAM — After graduating this spring, former Richmond Senior football player Shawn Everett has been focused on getting prepared for the upcoming season at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Things took a slight detour when he received a phone call last week. That was when West Johnston’s Jimmy Williams, head coach of the East squad, called Everett and asked him if he was interested to participating in next week’s East-West All-Star game. The contest is held in conjunction with the North Carolina Coaches Association’s clinic in Greensboro.
Everett will join Richmond kicker/punter Brandon Greene on the East team.
“He called me Thursday. I was very surprised,” Everett said. “My mom called me and she told me to call the guy, the coach. I was very surprised.”
Everett recalled he was close to earning a spot on the team during the tryouts, but was passed over for another player. Everett admits he hasn’t been through a football practice since Richmond’s final practice prepping for its second-round playoff game with Millbrook.
“He offered a spot on the team as a corner, special teams, safety guy,” Everett said. “I was borderline of making it the first time and now they’re giving me an opportunity to still play on the team. I have been doing UNCP’s workout to get prepared to go down there.”
Everett and Greene will have their names added to the list of players from Richmond County who have participated in the East-West All-Star game. Everett said it was a goal of his to add his name to the banner.
“It’s a honor personally and it makes me feel good to be recognized as an all-star,” Everett said. “I looked at that every day since I was freshman. Now I have the opportunity to be up there, it’s very exciting.
“I didn’t expect it, but I always wanted it. I looked forward to trying to accomplish as my years went on.”
Once Everett accepted the position, he needed to reach out to the Richmond coaching staff to pick up a helmet, shoulder pads and other things. Everett contacted his position coach, Eric Gould, about picking up the equipment.
“Coach Gould, he’s very excited. I texted him the same day,” Everett said. “I went and got it earlier this week. Coach Gould gave me my stuff.”
While picking up the equipment to take with him for the practices and games, Everett met some members of the new coaching staff under Mike Castellano.
“It was weird seeing all the new coaches and stuff like that,” Everett said. “I met a couple of them. It’s a big difference seeing new faces around there.”
Reach managing editor Shawn Stinson at 910-817-2671 and follow him on Twitter @scgolfer.