By Chris McCarthy/Editor
Thomas Ozmint’s stellar high school football career yielded one last reward on Tuesday (Feb. 4) – a scholarship to the University of West Alabama in Livingston.
In his third year as a starting halfback, Ozmint finished with 2,737 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns. He rushed for 2,347 yards while adding 450 yards in pass receiving and kickoff and punt returns. He helped the 2014 Yellow Jackets finish with a 13-1 record, post the school’s first undefeated regular season since 1979, win the Class 3A, Region 7 title and gain the program’s first berth in the state semifinals since the 1996 season.
Ozmint was named to the ASWA All-state football first team and was a Class 3A Back of the Year finalist. He also was first team All-County and All-Region and was named Offensive MVP of the All-Messenger football team.
“I went on my visit and I really fell in love with the coaches and the players [at UWA],” said Thomas, who plans on majoring in business. “I felt like that’s where I needed to go. But I wouldn’t be where I am without my teammates and all the coaches, and I want to perform well for the guys that I’ve played with.”
Ozmint joins a West Alabama squad that went 5-6 in the D-II Gulf South Conference.
“I’m excited when any of our kids sign, but it makes it even more special when it’s your kid,” said Thomas’ dad and GHS head football coach Lee Ozmint. “UWA has gotten one of the best inside runners I’ve ever seen and certainly the best inside runner I’ve ever coached. Thomas has got instincts, vision, power and toughness, but the most important thing that he has is heart. He’ll have to adjust to the college game and gain some speed and strength, but once he does that, UWA will have gotten them one heck of a tailback.
“The one thing I do know that Thomas understands is that there’s other players on this team that deserve this as much as Thomas does. We’re not created to stand alone, and Thomas sees this not only as an opportunity but as a responsibility to all those who have invested in him. But to see how far Thomas has come from is really special, and I’m proud of him for how he represents himself and his family and his team and his school. He’s matured into a fine young person, and those character traits will serve him well, not only at West Alabama but throughout life.”