By Chris Bridges
MONTICELLO, Ga. —JT Webb was a dominant football player during his career at Piedmont Academy. Now, the senior Cougar standout is set on his post-high school career as he recently signed on to play tight-end at Shorter University in Rome.
For Webb, this is just the kind opportunity he has prepared for, and he and his coaches are confident that he’ll succeed.
“I believe this is a good fit for [Webb],” said Will Johnson, Piedmont Academy offensive line coach. “Shorter competes in the Gulf South Conference which is considered the SEC of Division II football.”
According to his coach, Webb will get a chance to compete for playing time early in his collegiate career.
“Shorter is a young team so he will be able to go in, show what he is capable of and get on the playing field,” Johnson said. “He knows it will be a lot of work. In high school, playing football is fun. In college, it is a 12-month-a-year job.”
Johnson played at fellow GSC school Valdosta State and can relate to the transition Webb will go through.
“The biggest thing for any player going from high school to college is to find the right fit,” the coach said. “I believe JT has done just that.”
On March 3, joined by his teammates, classmates and family, Webb held his signing at Piedmont Academy. Webb’s father Jeremy, mother Sharon, brother Weston and sister MaLynne were all present at the signing ceremony.
“I am very proud of his accomplishments,” said Mike Parris, who coached Webb during his senior football season. “Now he can concentrate on playing one position on the field. He is a great young man who can do whatever he wants in life.”
The Piedmont Academy tight-end has drawn praise for his catching and blocking skills. Webb considered other options before making it official by signing with Shorter.
“I visited three schools in a week but fell in love with Shorter’s campus,” Webb said. “I met some of the other tight-ends on the team and they welcomed me in. I loved the energy that tight-ends coach Drew Burnham showed. I also liked the small school atmosphere that reminded me so much of Piedmont.”
Shorter University competes with Valdosta State, West Georgia, Florida Tech, West Alabama, West Florida, North Greenville, Delta State and Mississippi College in the GSC. Valdosta State won the Division II Football National Title in 2018.
Webb said he is blessed to have the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. He credited his coaches at Piedmont through the years including Johnson, Wes Tanner and Rick Ringer.
Zach Morrison’s Shorter University team will open the 2019 season against East Tennessee State Sept. 7 on the road.
