COVINGTON, Ga. — Alcovy’s Ricky Stone signed with Gordon State College on Feb. 2, securing himself an opportunity to continue his athletic and academic career at the next level.

After officially penning his commitment to Gordon College, the senior defensive back discussed how it feels to make it official and to have his teammates alongside him.

“I feel relieved and blessed. I cannot wait to fulfill my football career at Gordon State College,” Stone said. “It feels great [to go with a group of my teammates], we are still going to compete at a high level, and we are going to win.”

Stone will be going to Gordon State alongside five of his current teammates, and they are planning on bringing the same energy and winning mentality they had during their senior seasons.

Stone credited his Alcovy coaching staff for helping him during the transition and getting his name out there. He gave extra thanks to defensive back coach TC Robinson, who he said helped many of the seniors get their names and contact information out to college coaches.

“[Our coaches] always pushed us, they always looked out for us,” Stone said. “They are all great coaches, especially [Coach Robinson]. Without him, none of this would have happened.”

On the field, Stone was a big piece in the Tigers’ secondary, earning himself a spot in the honorable mentions for Region 3-AAAAAA.

Playing alongside soon-to-be Gordon State teammates Jalen Pierce and Byron Howard during his senior year, Stone and the rest of the Alcovy defense held region opponents to an average of 15 points per game, which was a big factor in the Tigers claiming their first ever region championship. 

As Stone looks ahead to his college career in the fall, he knows exactly what type of player the Highlanders are going to get on defense.

“[Gordon State] is getting a physical [defensive back],” Stone said. “A ballhawk [with] good mechanics. I am ready to work.”