By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE – In December, the Hewitt Trussville Huskies had 3 players sign nation letters of intent to play college football. Defensive Lineman Connor Knight signed to play with the UAB Blazers, Wide Receiver Rickey Gibson signed to play with the Tennessee Volunteers and Defensive End Hunter Osborne signed to play with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Hewitt’s Braylon Chatman (Alabama) and TaRell Seals sign their letters of intent on Wednesday.
(Photo by Johnny Sanders)
Wednesday, on the “late” National Signing Day, the Huskies added 2 players to that list. Linebacker Braylon Chatman and wide receiver TaRell Seals.
Chatman, who had over 100 tackles, 12 for loss and a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown during the 2022 season for the Huskies, signed on the dotted line with a crimson script A at the top of the piece of paper, committing to play for Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide for his college career. “I would tell my teammates at Hewitt to just stay committed to the grind. Keep working. The work is going to get you to where you want to go,” said Chatman. “Growing up, I was a big Bama fan. I feel like they have one of the best programs in the country. The best coaches and facilities. I felt like that was the best place for my development. My recruiting process was short. Not many schools recruited me but when Bama gave me a chance, I took it. My goal is to develop and become a start at Bama.”
Teammate TaRel Seals signed a paper with an “A” at the top as well, but it was not Alabama. Seals signed to play his collegiate football for the Braves of Alcorn State. “I would tell my teammates to just keep working. You can do all things through God,” said Seals. “Alcorn State just feels like home and I’ve always wanted to go D1 and they made the offer. The recruitment process was long, non-stop and a grind for me. My goal is to become a starter within my first or second year.”
Head Coach Josh Floyd was very proud on this day. “Super proud of both of them. They are what our program is about which is commitment and hard work. They are two very determined guys. Very proud of all of the sweat they’ve put into the program and excited to see what they do,” said Floyd. “We’ve proven here that you can accomplish anything you want here at Hewitt Trussville. We’ve had about 50 kids sign in 8 or 9 years at all different levels. We’ve got middle school kids here who see that they can achieve their dreams looking at these two. Braylon is one of our most productive players we’ve ever had on defense. TaRell unfortunately got hurt just before this past year, his senior season. But he’s got a high ceiling and he’s going to keep getting better and better and has worked hard to get to where he’s at. Big opportunity for both of them.”
