Two Trojan football players inked scholarships on National Signing Day last week in a ceremony held in the media center of Lamar County Comprehensive High School. At least three others are expected to ink letters of intent in the days and weeks to come. *************** ©The Herald Gazette/barnesville.com: This information may not be reprinted, broadcast or distributed electronically in any form or fashion without express consent. For reprint permission, e-mail news@barnesville.com. *************** All-state nose guard Frederick Walker became the biggest Trojan scholarship signee since Craig Ogletree signed with Auburn University in 1985. Walker decided to take his academic and athletic career to the next level at NCAA Division I-A Colorado State University. A pretty solid commit to South Alabama for months, Walker had hoped to draw the attention of a bigger school in the Southeast and had a late visit to Auburn but they never offered. Then came an invite to Collins Hill, Col. After a trip out west and an offer, he became the first Rams signee under new head coach Jim McElwain. He took the job at CSU after spending the last four seasons as offensive coordinator under Lou Saban at Alabama where the Crimson Tide won two of the last three national championships. Colorado State plays in the Mountain West Conference along with Air Force, Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, UNLV and Wyoming. The Rams were 3-9 in 2011. Along with being named first team AJC and second team AP all-state, Walker was also first team all-region, Region 4-AA defensive player of the year and the Trojans’ most outstanding defensive player. He was Lamar’s second leading tackler with 58 along with three sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and three pass deflections. Walker also played in the annual Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game in Columbus. Also at the signing table was wide receiver Jarvis Merritt who signed to play at Point University. Merritt, along with Walker, helped lead the Trojans to their best season ever, a 12-1 finish region championship and playoff run in the quarterfinal round. In Lamar’s run oriented Wing-T offense, he was a key blocker, helping to spring many long runs by the Trojan back while leading the team catching 12 passes for 203 yards and four touchdowns. He earned all-region honorable mention status for his efforts. At Point, Merritt will play for Kevin Porter, a former Auburn standout who spent time in the NFL with Kansas City as well as the New York Jets. Founded in 1937 as Atlanta Christian College, a private, four year liberal arts institution in East Point just outside of Atlanta, Point University will move its campus to West Point in fall and play its home football games just across the state line in Valley, Ala. The Skyhawks were 2-5 in their inaugural season in 2011 playing a non-affiliated exhibition schedule. They will join the NAIA this year as part of the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association. Former Trojan Michael Bloodser was on the Point roster last year and started several games at quarterback. Trojan coach Jason Strickland expects quarterback Maurice Bloodser, tight end Denarius Rutherford and safety Brandon Higdon to sign scholarships soon as well.
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