Starmount Defenders Commit to Catawba

By: Eric Lusk
The Yadkin Ripple

When Starmount endured a 1-10 football season in 2006, coach Scott Johnson looked to a group of sophomores to help turn things around.

Two players from that group, now seniors, not only helped to elevate the Rams back to conference championship status, but have earned the chance themselves to continue playing at the next level.

Jerome Gadberry and Keith Bryant have signed to play football for Catawba College in Salisbury. Gadberry played wide receiver and linebacker for the Rams, which finished 11-4 and advanced to the 2A West Regional championship game this past fall. Bryant was a linebacker, defensive back, running back and one of the most feared kick-returners in the conference.

“It all goes back to that year when they were sophomores and us having to struggle,” Johnson said. “The leadership that they displayed this year, the work ethic and how hard they pushed their teammates — they pushed themselves that hard first. That’s how we were able to get to where we were this year.”

Catawba, which competes at the NCAA Division II level with schools like Mars Hill, Lenoir-Rhyne and Brevard, gained both Starmount players in its 2009 class of signees.

Gadberry and Bryant will follow in the footsteps of several former Starmount athletes who have played football for Catawba. That list includes Joel Brown, Daniel Granzyk, Neil Love, Brian Ray and Seth Wagoner.

Chip Hester is Catawba’s head football coach. The Indians went 6-4 last season, including a 4-3 record in its conference. Assistant coach Ben Hepler, a former South Stokes standout, led the recruiting effort with the Starmount players.

“We have a really good history with Catawba here,” Johnson said. “Ben has been recruiting here the last three years. It all started when they watched (the three players) on film. They went down for a workout and Jerome and Keith really liked what they saw. I think it’s going to work out real well for them.”

Bryant likely will be used on special teams early in his career. He’s been tabbed to play defensive back as well.

“A lot of my friends are going down there,” Bryant said. “I’m the kind of person who learns well in a small school environment. I just like that.”

Gadberry played several roles during his Starmount career, including starting at quarterback for a time. He ended up catching passes as a wideout and playing in the defensive backfield this past season.

“Jerome might be one of those kids where it takes a year or two to see how much he grows and how his speed develops before they are really sure what they’ll do with him,” Johnson said.

Gadberry is fine with that. He just wants to keep playing football.

“Right now, I just want to get in good with the system, learn everything and work my way up,” he said.

Johnson believes this Ram trio, as well as the other seniors from the 2008 team, can leave a lasting legacy on the program.

“Hopefully, it will be an imprint that carries on,” the coach said. “I know last year’s seniors had an impact on them. It’s going to carry on to next year’s seniors and on down the road I feel.”