East Jackson’s Cody Alford, joined by his mother Becky (left), his father Larry (right) and former East Jackson coach Frank Caputo (far right), signed with Mars Hill Tuesday night.
Football: East Jackson’s Alford picks Mars Hill
WITH a quick signature and the donning of a cap Tuesday night, East Jackson’s Cody Alford fulfilled a dream a long time in the making.
The Eagle tight end and linebacker has signed to play college football at Mars Hill, a Division II school in western North Carolina.
“I’ve always wanted to play college football, ever since I was 5 years old watching my dad coach and I started playing,” Alford said. “It’s been a ridiculous amount of work and want-to on my part to play college football and further myself and make myself a better athlete. That’s my huge goal in life — to put myself at a higher level than everybody else. This is just a step to it.”
Alford, a two-way player for four years at East Jackson, signed with Mars Hill at a ceremony at the Maysville Saloon in front of family and friends.
The Mountain Lions are coming off an 8-3 season and a South Atlantic Conference championship. They also earned a trip to the Division II playoffs.
Alford said a tour of the campus and meeting with the coaches solidified his decision. He had an offer from Georgia Southern to try out and talked with several other schools, but Mars Hill just felt right.
“I could really see myself playing there,” Alford said. “The coaches were super-nice. They warmed up to me really good, and I warmed up to them, and I just fell in love with the team.”
He may see the playing field as a freshman, too.
The Mountain Lions will have three tight ends, including Alford, on the depth chart next year. One of those tight ends is an incoming freshman like Alford, while the other is a junior.
“So playing time — there’s a good chance with three tight ends,” he said. “I just have to work my butt off to get there.”
He’s also considering a future in football beyond the playing field. Alford — who helped coach a rec league football team — said he would like to major in an area that will allow him to coach one day.
“I’ve always wanted to play college football, ever since I was 5 years old watching my dad coach and I started playing,” Alford said. “It’s been a ridiculous amount of work and want-to on my part to play college football and further myself and make myself a better athlete. That’s my huge goal in life — to put myself at a higher level than everybody else. This is just a step to it.”
Alford, a two-way player for four years at East Jackson, signed with Mars Hill at a ceremony at the Maysville Saloon in front of family and friends.
The Mountain Lions are coming off an 8-3 season and a South Atlantic Conference championship. They also earned a trip to the Division II playoffs.
Alford said a tour of the campus and meeting with the coaches solidified his decision. He had an offer from Georgia Southern to try out and talked with several other schools, but Mars Hill just felt right.
“I could really see myself playing there,” Alford said. “The coaches were super-nice. They warmed up to me really good, and I warmed up to them, and I just fell in love with the team.”
He may see the playing field as a freshman, too.
The Mountain Lions will have three tight ends, including Alford, on the depth chart next year. One of those tight ends is an incoming freshman like Alford, while the other is a junior.
“So playing time — there’s a good chance with three tight ends,” he said. “I just have to work my butt off to get there.”
He’s also considering a future in football beyond the playing field. Alford — who helped coach a rec league football team — said he would like to major in an area that will allow him to coach one day.
East Jackson’s Cody Alford signed with Mars Hill Tuesday. Pictured are East Jackson assistant principal Troy Johnson, Beck Alford, Cody Alford, Larry Alford and former EJCHS coach Frank Caputo.
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#1
tommy gunn
on
02/23/12 at 03:18 PM
[Reply]
I don't see any EJCHS coaches. No Athletic Director! Former Coach? What is up with that?He does love his players,former players and I am sure players in the future. EJ's Head coach a no-show or just doesn't give a darn about the kids? That sure doen't look good for EJ's administration team
#1.1
Anonymous
on
02/24/12 at 10:55 AM
[Reply]
Again some one who does not know much of anything stating the ridiculous. He did not want the current coach to be there but wanted his former coach instead.
#1.2
billbob
on
02/24/12 at 09:52 PM
[Reply]
No, That just shows you the players there now don't want to follow the new coaches. Most have a loyalty to Frank Cowpoop, Like the beard Frankie, white out like your coaching career!!
#1.3
Do you know?
on
02/25/12 at 07:47 AM
[Reply]
Were you there tommy gunn? If so, you would know there was a member of the administrative team present for this event. Check the other picture. Were the current coaches and athletic director invited? Maybe you should check this out. Good luck CA.
#2
What?
on
02/25/12 at 07:32 AM
[Reply]
What did he sign? Is he receiving money for football or is he going to be a walk on?
#3
all for show
on
03/01/12 at 12:15 PM
[Reply]
From what I hear, Head Coach Brian Smith hasn't helped many of the kids. You can say what you want about Caputo, but he always did and continues to put children first. East Jackson's wheels are coming off. No school spirit and pride. They lost everyone who made that place be a new star on the horizon. It will now just turn out like the other school. Everyone's whipping boy.
#3.1
same ole stuff
on
03/08/12 at 10:06 AM
[Reply]
You said it, they hire anyone that "they" think may can fill a spot - doesn't know how to coach it. Just ask the cheerleaders over there. Lost a great coach and they fill it with an individual that knew nothing about the sport and has an ego the size of Mars. Very much a dictator, just really sad to see what was an amazing sport go down the drain. Yes, cheerleading is a sport - ask any competition parent, look at their bruises and concusions! Please help the athletes at EJCHS - they deserve better!