Bulldog trio signs with colleges
Bulldog trio signs with colleges
By Logan Watson
Milan athletes have been a hot commodity among college recruiters as of late. Last week, three more Milan footballers made their marks to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.
J.P. Porter, Cameron Oliver and Jordan Shepherd were each recognized in a joint ceremony last Friday morning as they committed to their various universities.
Porter, who signed on with Lindsey Wilson College in Colombia, Kentucky, will be an integral part of the Blue Raiders’ defense.
“I’m going to be everywhere,” Porter told the Mirror-Exchange. “I’ll do some special teams returning, but mostly they want me as a versatile safety and at corner.”
Last season, Porter rushed for 105 yards and a TD on just 9 carries, and had 5 receptions for 37 yards. He also averaged 27 yards per kick return and took 2 back for touchdowns. He was third on the team in tackles with 66 and 9 TFL and led team in interceptions with 5, returning 1 of those for a TD.
Porter, who currently holds a 2.9 GPA and scored a 22 on his ACT, plans on majoring in Psychology.
“They have a lot of great athletes,” Porter said. “They’re going to make me work hard and compete for my spot.”
Cameron Oliver, who signed with Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky, has committed to a full plate during his freshman year.
Oliver, who holds a 3.0 GPA and scored a 29 on his ACT, will be playing for the Tigers’ football and baseball teams while majoring in Criminal Justice.
“Their Criminal Justice program is among the best in the nation,” said Oliver. “One of their professors was in the FBI for more than 20 years, so that will be very helpful when I graduate.”
As for doubling up on sports, Oliver says he’s looking forward to the workload.
“It’s going to be a lot of work, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Oliver pulled down 7 receptions last season for the gridiron ‘Dogs, picking up 120 yards and one touchdown. On defense, Oliver snagged two interceptions and made 44 tackles. On the diamond, he led the Bulldogs in stolen bases and averaged a .360 at the plate. Look for Oliver to utilize his speed at mid-infield and at cornerback and safety for the Tigers.
Shepherd, the Bulldogs’ lead blocker, was the unsung hero on the Bulldogs’ offense, making it possible for the Dogs’ running backs to log those 2,000 rushing yards. He also scored 3 TDs on 8 carries and had 4 receptions, averaging 20 yards per catch and scoring one touchdown.
Shepherd, who holds a 2.7 GPA and scored a 20 on his ACT, signed with Bethel University to maintain his Purple Pride.
“I have a cousin that goes to Bethel. He put me in touch with the coach there. The team is like a family. I think we’re going to have a really strong program.”
Look for Shepherd to play middle linebacker with the Wildcats while working on a major in Athletic Training.
