By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Five Thompson High School football players will continue their playing careers in some major collegiate football programs, after they officially signed their letters of intent during a Dec. 19 ceremony in the school’s Performing Arts Center.

Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and offensive lineman Amari Kight both signed letters with The University of Alabama Crimson Tide, linebacker Will Conner and offensive lineman Jayme Simmons signed with the UAB Blazers and running back Shadrick Byrd signed with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

All five of the athletes took advantage of the new NCAA early signing period, and are now set to enroll in their respective colleges. The Dec. 19 event came about a week after a ceremonial signing for Tagovailoa, Kight and Conner, as they were unsure if their schedules would allow them to attend the Dec. 19 event.

On Dec. 19, all the athletes signed their actual letters of intent.

“We’ve got five amazing young men, great young men, football players, students that have represented Thompson High School and this entire community and everything about Warrior football to a T,” said THS Principal Dr. Wesley Hester. “These guys, they’re trailblazers. They have done so much for our school, our community and of course our football program. We’re so thankful to have worked with them and been a part of our lives. There’s no doubt that what they’ve done here is just a small piece of what they’re going to do at the next level. I really thank God for them being here and for the opportunities they have in front of them.”

THS head football coach Mark Freeman said the five athletes helped to bring great success to the program over the past few years, leading to a playoff semifinal appearance in 2017 and state championship appearance this season.

“At Thompson High School, it really is a family deal. It starts at the top and it flows through everybody here. Everyone at this school has been so supportive of these guys and our program,” Freeman said. “It’s a great day, but let’s be sure we give our Lord and savior this day and the thanks for this day. I know each one of these guys and their heart. We’re blessed to have them and we’re blessed to be a part of this right now.”

Here’s what the athletes said during the ceremony:

-“I just want to thank all my family, coaches and teammates, because I wouldn’t be here without them. Go Blazers,” Conner said.

-“I’d like to thank my family, coaches, teammates and my girlfriend. Go Blazers,” Simmons said.

-“I want to thank all of you for coming out and supporting me and my brothers. I love you guys for that, and Roll Tide,” Tagovailoa said.

-“First I want to thank God. Without him, I wouldn’t be here today. I want to thank all my teammates for pushing me every day in practice and my coaches. Roll Tide,” Kight said.

-“I want to thank everyone for coming out today, it really means a lot to me. I want to thank my family and my friends. Thank you to my coaches for helping me to get where I want to be, and I also want to thank God for giving me this opportunity,” Byrd said.