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Richmond Senior’s Justin Jackson, center, made it official by signing his letter of intent to continue his football career at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. With Jackson are his father, Arthur, and his mother, Wanda.
The seven signees were Justin Jackson (Wake Forest University), Phillip Legrande (Wofford College), Justin Brewington (Georgia Military College), Lovell Joy (Wingate University), Sammy Houston (Catawba College), Jonathan Diggs and Charles Crank (West Hills Community College).
“It’s a happy time because the kids are getting to go on and play at different colleges, and hopefully get a degree,” Raiders coach Paul Hoggard said.
Jackson playing in the ACC
Jackson is going to the most recognizable of all the schools. Jackson made a verbal commitment to the ACC school last summer. He will be joining a Demon Deacon team, which finished an 8-5 season with a victory over Navy in the EagleBank.com Bowl. Under eight-year coach Jim Grobe, Wake Forest has gone 46-39, including three straight winning seasons.
“Coach is a family guy, and a good Christian man,” Jackson said. “Him and (linebacker coach) (Brad) Lambert came to my house a couple times, and talked about how they really wanted me. Myself and my parents really liked Wake, and it’s good that my family will get to see me play close to home. I’m really excited to be playing in the ACC.”
Jackson was told by the coaching staff that he will stay at linebacker, but will have to move from the middle to the outside. He added his playing time will depend on how much muscle he can add to his 6-foot-1, 205 pound frame.
“I think Justin can have as good as a career as he chooses to have,” Hoggard said. “If it’s anything like it normally has been since I known him, he will work hard and do a good job and have a great career. I think he’s going to do well in the classroom, and do well on the field. He’s a very well-rounded young man, and has a chance to be successful at anything he decides to do.”
From a Raider
to a Terrier
Unlike Jackson, Legrande may have to make the switch from linebacker to safety when he joins the Wofford defensive unit.
Legrande was one of 14 defensive players signed by the Terriers, and doesn’t mind having to convert to another position.
“I’ll do whatever they need me to do that will allow me to get on the field,” Legrande said. “I’m just happy, I get a chance to continue my career.”
Furman College was another school Legrande had interest in, but said he chose the Spartanburg, S.C. school based on his comfort level with its defensive schemes and what he can achieve academically.
“The thing with Wofford is that it’s a very elite school, and you had to have great success in the classroom,” Hoggard said. “That’s speaks very highly of Phillip. It’s a great football school as well. Just like Justin going to Wake, when your diploma has Wofford on it, it’s a very good chance to be successful.”
Joy happy to be at Wingate
The last time Joy played a game in Charlotte he was terrorizing Independence’s defense in the regional playoff game to help Richmond play for the state championship.
Joy hopes to have the same impact when he goes to Wingate. Before he’s able to step on the field, Joy explained he may need surgery on a knee he injured in a basketball game against Jack Britt.
“I have a little torn cartilage floating around that I will have to go and get clean out, but it’s nothing major,” Joy said.
Joy said he was happy to get a full scholarship to continue his education, and play football. He was told by the coaching staff that he may have a chance to start as a freshman.
Joy will leave Richmond with career marks in receptions (103), receiving yards (1,701) and receiving touchdowns (21).
“I think Lovell can be one of the top players in the South Atlantic Conference,” Hoggard said. “He can have a huge impact player if he works hard on all the things he needs to do.”
Houston feeling right at home
Houston had narrowed down his decision to go to Catawba during the Raiders’ run to the championship.
“I really made my decision a while ago, but I was keeping my options open if anything else could change my mind,” Houston. “I pretty much made up mind during the playoffs.”
Houston was a two-way player for the Raiders at running back and corner. Houston was told the Indians needed help in the secondary.
“They’re short on DBs (defensive backs) so maybe I will have a chance to start there,” Houston said.”
Sophomore defensive back Terrance Jones is one of four former Raiders on Catawba’s roster that will welcome Houston to the team.
“We have some kids at Catawba that are all doing well,” Hoggard said. “Hopefully, Sammy will carry on that tradition.”
Georgia on Brewington’s mind
Brewington is another Raider defensive player going out of state to Georgia Military Junior College.
Hoggard took Brewington to the school last Friday. Although he will be five hours away from home, Brewington is comfortable will his decision.
Hoggard said Brewington is going to one of the premier junior colleges. The school has sent more than 300 student-athletes to continue their education and athletic careers at four-year institutions across the nation.
“Justin is going to one of the best junior colleges on the East coast where a very select group of kids get to go there,” Hoggard said. “Some of the better D-1-type players that don’t qualify go there, and it’s very hard to get in there. Honestly, it’s one of the closest junior colleges to us. Most of the time the kids have to go to Kansas, Minnesota or California.”
Crank and Diggs going West
Speaking of California, that’s where Crank and Diggs will continue their careers at West Hills Community College.
The junior college is located at Coalinga, just outside of Fresno. Both players said they’re glad to be going together, and will be nervous flying for the first time.
Crank will participate in one more high school game, which is the annual East-West game in July.
“I’m happy to be playing, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to playing with some talented players,” Crank said. “Playing in that game is definitely going to make me a better player.”
Hoggard said the players are going to a quality institution.
“They’re going to a junior college, which have some things that other don’t have such as dorms and a pretty good facility,” Hoggard said. “They’re goal is to go up there and try to qualify to go to a four-year school. Hopefully, in a year-and-a-half, we will see them signing with a four-year school.”
n Contact sports reporter Corey Davis at 997-3111, ext. 44; e-mail cdavis@yourdailyjournal.com
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