Words by Justin Hunter | Images by Al Blanton 

The first Wednesday in February is National Signing Day, when thousands of high school seniors lock in where they will play at the next level. Locally, Jasper High School’s 2021 Signing Day celebrated two talented young men, Brodie Vinson and Andre Neal, who signed today with college programs. 

Neal, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound athlete who played fullback, outside linebacker, and tight end for the Vikings, signed with Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, while Vinson, a 6-foot-2, 280 pound defensive linemen signed with Division I Rice University in Houston, Texas. 

“I’m blessed today, and I’m thankful for everyone,” said Neal, sporting a purple Bethel University baseball cap. “I’m here now, so it’s time to produce.” 

Family members, coaches, teachers, and a handful of local media members sat masked and socially distanced in the Jasper High School auditorium for the signing ceremony. Viking football coaches praised the two on-the-field leaders, encouraged them to keep their faith in God, admonished them to continue to make wise decisions, and reminded them to never quit in the face of adversity. Each member of the coaching staff who spoke stressed upon Neal and Vinson to not waste an opportunity.  

In addition to many academic and athletic accolades, Vinson was chosen as a 2020 Area 10 Winner of the Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award recipient. “I’m feeling great. It’s a great day filled with new opportunities. It’s the new beginning of a new chapter in my life,” Vinson said. “I chose Rice University because I felt it was where I need to go to get a great a world-class education. Also, play at a high-level football program in Conference USA, and they play UAB. So it’s a great opportunity for me athletically and academically.” 

Approximately 6% of high school football players are offered scholarships to play at the next level, but the coronavirus pandemic has thrown extra challenges for the 2021 class of athletes. Scholarship awards are fewer due to the NCAA allowing an additional year of eligibility for current players and leaner budgets in smaller athletic departments. 

“You’ve got to think about how COVID affected everything. In a typical year, most football teams will sign somewhere between 23-25 new players. It was half that this year, meaning three thousand Division One scholarships didn’t go out. It proves how elite these two were as far as setting themselves apart from the rest of the field,” said Jasper Head Football Coach Philip Bailey.

The future is bright for these two young men on and off the gridiron, and a sense of hope and excitement radiated from Vinson and Neal as they smiled for dozens of family photos.  

“I’m truly thankful for them, and I’m proud of the legacy they left here at Jasper,” Bailey added. “I’m so thankful for what God has in store for them.”