-
(From L to R): Greene County athletes Jay’shaun Jernigan, Kamari Smith, and Jaquavious Burdette, hold up artwork featuring their colleges during Monday’s signing ceremony. (LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff)
Greene County High School had three students sign letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level on Monday in the school’s auditorium.
Students, family members, school staff, coaches, teammates, and friends gathered to celebrate the special event with athletes Jay’shaun Jernigan, JaQuavious Burdette, and Kamari Smith.
“I’m going to miss these seniors,” Greene County head football coach Terrance Banks said. “They’ve each played a part in building the success of Greene County sports while they’ve been here.”
The ceremony started with Jernigan, who will attend Andrews College in Cuthbert to play football. Andrews is a two-year school, so if he performs, he can earn a chance to play at a higher level.
Jernigan was a versatile player on the Tigers’ offensive and defensive lines. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound swiss-army knife was dominant in the trenches, but will likely play offensive line in college.
Jernigan had a few other offers but decided to stay in-state and attend Andrews College. He’s part of the inaugural signing class for the program, which kicks off its first season in school history next fall.
“Man, when I got here, I knew we were going to win because we had an offensive line,” Banks said. “Jay’Shaun, you were a huge part of that. You played right tackle almost the whole season and moved over the left tackle when a teammate got hurt. You didn’t complain. All you wanted to do was win. You didn’t say much unless the offensive line missed a block, and then you got vocal. We’re going to miss you but I am very proud of where you are going for the next one to two years.”
The ceremony then shifted to Burdette who will attend Greensboro College in North Carolina for football.
Burdette was a four-year starter on offense for the Tigers. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound prospect caught 55 passes over the last two seasons while also being named to the All-Region team as a punter.
Burdette received his offer from Greensboro in February and committed to play for the Pride on April 9.
“Quay, was always there when we needed him in the passing game. You were a great punter as well,” Banks said. “He was an All-Region player and is a true athlete. We used you all over the field, and you never complained. You stepped up in my first year here as a junior and helped lead the team.”
Finally, the signing ceremony ended with Smith, who will basketball play for the Georgia Knights Athletics Association, an academy in Snellville that helps athletes prepare for the next level.
Smith also played football, but he shined on the basketball court. He played power forward for the Tigers. Smith was seen as one of the team’s leaders the past two years, and a “glue guy” in the locker room.
Greene County boys’ basketball head coach Mark Wright spoke highly of Smith, a multiyear starter.
“He’s a heck of a glue guy. I wish I had you for one more year,” Wright said. “This guy is irreplaceable. Defensively, he’s done more for a team than I have ever seen. He’s got a never-quit attitude and didn’t complain about playing time. So, I made it my point to find an opportunity for him. Luckily, a coach reached out to me and asked what I have here at Greene County. I told Kamari about this opportunity and his eyes just lit up. He wanted to take advantage of it.”