Greene County High School football player RJ Monford recently received his first college scholarship offer.
Last month, the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) officially offered the Tigers’ linebacker and fullback. UAB competes at the Division I level, so he was blessed the Blazers offered him before his senior year.
“I’ve just been keeping my head down, grinding, and putting the work in,” Monford told the Lake Oconee News. “I’m glad to have my first offer. It’s special that my first one came from a Division I program like UAB.”
Monford recently visited the Blazers’ campus in Birmingham. He was impressed with the facilities and how the coaching staff treated him and his family.
Monford called the entire experience “amazing.” Monford met with members of the UAB defensive staff and got to have a quick conversation with Super-Bowl-winning head coach Trent Dilfer. Monford also enjoyed learning about the program’s rich history.
“I like how the program is run. It’s like a business,” Monford said. “At practice, the coaches had their players always on the hop. They were always moving. You never walk on the practice field. I liked seeing that.”
Monford plays outside linebacker at Greene County. He loves to set the edge and make tackles in the opposing team’s backfield. Monford wants to continue to play on the defensive side of the ball at the next level.
The 6-foot, 220-pound outside linebacker was a first-team All-Region defensive selection last year as a junior.
Monford rarely left the field, as he lined up at fullback on the Tigers' offensive side of the ball.
UAB’s staff likes Monford’s versatility but told him they would use him primarily on defense and special teams.
“The staff likes me out on the edge with my hand in the dirt. Or as an inside or outside linebacker,” Monford said. “Their staff likes how I can rotate around to multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball.”
Monford, a three-year starter for Greene County, enters his senior season hoping to pick up a few more offers. He’s grateful for UAB extending him an offer but wants options when he makes a final decision.
Monford also wants to win a region championship and make a deep playoff run next season with the Tigers. Greene County head coach Terrance Banks will rely on Monford and a few other seniors to help lead the charge.
“It’s all about trusting in the process,” Monford said. “We’ve built something special here at Greene County.”