Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
A trio of Etowah High seniors will showcase their football talent at the collegiate level.
Last Sunday (Dec. 19), Trent Davis, Ollie Finch and Toby Camp signed football scholarships during a ceremony in the EHS gymnasium in Attalla.
Trent Davis signed with Duke University, Finch with Troy and Camp with Tennessee-Martin. The three players were major factors in the Blue Devils’ 9-4 record, the program’s 10th straight playoff berth and the team’s first state semifinals appearance in 21 years.
Davis polished off his outstanding prep career with 2,188 total yards and 29 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,813 yards and 25 TDs while catching 25 passes for 375 yards and four more scores.
“Trent has had a tremendous career athletically and now has the opportunity of a lifetime to continue his education at a very prestigious academic school,” said EHS head football coach Ryan Locke. “He’s also going to play for the one of the most respected coaches in college football in David Cutcliffe. Trent’s put in a lot of hard work for this, and we’re really excited for him.”
“I want to thank God and my family, without whose help I wouldn’t be here today,” said Davis. “I want to thank all of the Etowah community for supporting me and especially my teammates and every one of my coaches for putting up with me for the last four years. Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil.”
Finch (pictured above) had 37 receptions for 701 yards and seven touchdowns this past season.
“Ollie is a guy I have a lot of respect for as a player and as a person,” said Locke. “We’re excited for Ollie to have a chance to further his education and his athletic career at Troy.”
“I just want to thank God for giving me this opportunity,” said Finch. “Also for my mom and my grandmother, who have been with me since Day 1. I also want to give a special thanks to my grandfather, whose been watching over me since he passed away. I also want thank my teammates and coaches for helping me along the way.”
Camp recorded 81 tackles (including 31 for a loss) along with 13 sacks.
“As far as the defensive line goes, there’s no one at our level of competition that was as good as Toby was,” said Locke. “He’s an all-county player, he’s an all-region player, and in my mind, he’s an all-state player. We’re excited for Toby to have a chance to further his education and his athletic career at UT-Martin.”
“I just want to thank God, my family, my teammates and my coaches for supporting me,” said Camp. “I’m just blessed to have this opportunity.”
Davis, along with fellow senior NyNy Davis, participated in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game on Dec. 18. at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. During the South’s 28-20 victory, Trent Davis rushed twice for seven yards, while NyNy Davis had one tackle at defensive back.