BAY MINETTE, Alabama -- Baldwin County High School has five athletes signing National Letters of Intent to play college football. They include Jakori Savage, Louisiana State University; RJ Stevens, Army West Point; Germaine Williams, Delta State; Chris Faulkner, Tuskegee University; and Dwayne Koen, Eastern Arizona.

“It’s a big day for Bay Minette and for Baldwin County High School with five kids signing, it’s probably one of the bigger signing days we have had in a while,” said Nathan McDaniel, Athletic Director. “It’s a big day for our community and our kids. Anytime you have kids that are setting themselves up for the next 40 years of their lives or their children’s lives or their families lives,  it’s a big deal.”

Savage said he’s excited to be playing for the Tigers. “I'm extremely excited about being able to play for such a prestigious college like LSU. It has been absolutely remarkable doing the thing I love with my brothers at my side. I'm grateful for all the things I'm able to experience. I'm ready for my journey to becoming the best student, football player, and person I can be at LSU.”

The Tiger commit said he’s enjoyed his journey as part of the BCHS Tigers and looks forward to the future. “I'm truly humbled by and appreciate the many people that support me. I'm also grateful for all of my family members, friends, coaches, teachers, teammates, and classmates for helping mold me into the young man I am today,” he said. “I'm looking for to continuing my growth as a man at LSU.”

Army commit RJ Stevens is pumped about the next phase of his athletic and academic career. “It is definitely a blessing to be able to play at the next level and to further my education even more,” he said.

Stevens said he has learned a lot from his coaches and teammates. “Being a part of the (BCHS) Tiger family has definitely changed my life and showed me the definition of love and a brotherhood that the team has been lacking for a while,” he said. “ I just like to think my parents and coaches who have helped me get this far.”

Germaine Williams said he’s thankful for the opportunity to continue playing a sport he loves. “Thankful for this next step in life. I'm excited to meet new people and excited for a new start and ready to make my family even more proud,” he said.

Williams also sings the praises of his high school. “I loved being a Tiger, wouldn't trade it for any school in this county, I will always be one. I wish Coach Mac would have come sooner,” he said of Coach Nathan McDaniel who has coached for two seasons at BCHS.

Chris Faulkner said he is very excited to be playing at the next level at Tuskeegee. “It took hard work and dedication to get there,” he said. “It will be great playing at the next level but also interesting. I say that, because there are players at the next level with good talent and are physically as well as mentally fit to play the game but I am pumped and ready. I look forward to the challenge and what the future holds.”

Faulkner said he enjoyed his time playing for the BCHS Tigers and will carry those fond memories with him. “The guys I played with slowly became people I can easily call my brothers. I will never forget the coaches and people that made being a Tiger so wonderful. I may be soon becoming a Golden Tiger but I will always hold that black and orange Tiger of Baldwin County in my heart.”

Eastern Arizona commit Dwayne Koen said he can’t want to play at the next level and that it’s a dream come true. “I'm glad to be a part of the Gila monsters I've always wanted to play at the next level,” Koen said. “God blessed me with so much I'm glad to be a Monster.”
Koen also expressed appreciation to his coaches and teammates for their support throughout his high school career.  “I'm glad I get to share this moment with my brothers I grew up with since elementary school.  I love these boys to death we been through it all we never split up that's the crazy part I'm glad we all succeeded.”

Coach McDaniel praised all the athletes, coaches and administration as well as the parents for working hard to make dreams come true for these students.  “It’s all about the kids today and we are exciting about the opportunities they were able to work for themselves. It’s a big day for our school and we are very, very proud of all our kids.”