ALBANY — A special celebration took place last week inside the Westover High School gynasium, where 10 Patriots football players signed their college scholarship offers — marking a major milestone not just for the athletes and their families, but for the entire Westover football program.
The ceremony honored nine new signees and included a special recognition of offensive lineman Torian Chester, who signed in December with the University of Pittsburgh. Chester, a four-star recruit and one of Georgia’s top linemen, is already preparing for the next level.
“I’m working hard on conditioning and improving my explosion off the ball,” said Chester, the son of Engria Chester.
Head Coach Corey Joyner, who guided this senior class through ups and downs,, didn’t hold back his emotions as he reflected on their growth.
“In the beginning, the guys didn’t understand what it meant to strive for excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in every aspect of life,” Joyner said. “There was a lot of complaining, going home mad, and wanting to quit — but their parents didn’t allow them to quit, and that’s a great sign of great parenting. These guys committed to a standard higher than they expected of themselves, and now they’re reaping the rewards.”
Among the nine players who signed last week:
Tyreek Baldwin, a wide receiver, signed with Point University in West Point, Ga. “I liked the coaching staff, the facilities, and the small-town environment,” said Baldwin, who plans to study business and pursue a career in real estate. He is the son of Shawanda Baldwin.
Zyler Thomas, a defensive back, is headed to Fort Valley State University. A two-sport athlete who also runs track, Thomas said he chose Fort Valley to stay close to home and continue competing in the 100-meter dash and triple jump. He plans to major in animal science to become a veterinary technician. He is the son of Frederick and Candeniss Thomas.
Emory Clark, who will play fullback at Point University, said he appreciated the “genuine” feel of the coaching staff and the players. He plans to major in criminal justice and become a crime scene investigator. He is the son of Angelia Laster and William Clark Jr.
Vincent “VT” Tumblin signed with Columbus State University. The fullback said it felt like home when he visited campus. He plans to study cyber security. His parents are Zenobia Davis and Vincent Tumblin.
Jamaree Barfield, a linebacker, signed with Clayton State University near Atlanta. “It was a great environment, and being close to Atlanta means more opportunities,” he said. He will study information technology. He is the son of Shante’e Barfield and James Spruill.
Sendrell Davis, a defensive lineman, is also headed to Columbus State. “The coaches made me feel like one of their own,” Davis said. He plans to study criminal justice and become a criminal defense lawyer. He is the son of Dengue Davis and Marvin Vush.
J’Shawn Jinks, a defensive tackle who started playing football only two years ago after leaving the marching band, signed with Andrew College in Cuthbert. “There’s nothing to do there, and that’s good for me — I can just focus,” he said. Jinks plans to study criminal psychology and hopes to work with NCIS. He is the son of Diamond Jinks and was supported by his grandparents, Walker, Vanessa, and Barbara Jinks.
Jalyn Coleman, a defensive back, will play at Tusculum University in Tennessee. He cited the school’s facilities, the scenic mountain setting, and the coaching staff’s consistent support as key reasons for choosing Tusculum. He is the son of Katrina Coleman and Gerry Coleman, and he plans to major in business or sports management.
Montavious Jones, a tight end and wide receiver, signed with Tuskegee University. “I wanted to learn more about the Black culture, and I feel like I can compete for playing time,” said Jones, who intends to study physical education and become a firefighter. He is the son of Shaquille Haynes.
When asked what they will take away from their time in the Westover program, the answers were thoughtful and honest.
“Football teaches you how to be a man,” said Jinks. The other signees nodded in agreement.
What will they miss the most?
“The locker room,” several answered at once, smiling.
Joyner took pride in what the moment represented — not just for Westover, but for all of Dougherty County.
“This is a great day for Westover High School and the Dougherty County School System football programs,” he said. “Including Monroe and Dougherty, it’s close to 19 student-athletes signing football scholarships in just this one school system. That’s proof you can earn a scholarship from any program in Dougherty County. This is bigger than any state championship.”
