ROCKINGHAM — Three Richmond Senior High School football players participated in National Signing Day in the school’s media center on Wednesday.
Braxton Butler, Jaiden Covington and Jaleak Gates were celebrated by friends, family, teammates and coaches as they made their future playing careers official.
Richmond head coach Bryan Till welcomed everyone before allowing each player to share his gratitude to those in attendance.
“This is a culmination of so many years of hard work,” Till said of the occasion. “So many guys have the dream and there are so many guys who get to live it out. It’s great these guys got this opportunity and we take the time to honor these moments.
“In the Bible it talks about Joshua setting a stone or setting a marker that other generations can see. And it’s important that we take that same attitude and approach.”
Both offensive linemen, Butler and Covington will be heading to the Division II circuit. They made their final decision within the last couple of weeks.
Butler will attend Fayetteville State University, while Covington will play at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
“Both were three year starters and we noticed their talent early on,” Kemp McSween, Richmond’s offensive line coach, said. “Coach Taivon Jones and Coach Kevin Alfonso had them as ninth graders and they let me know ahead of time they were going to be ready for their sophomore year.
“They are very smart, which is a big thing for their position,” he added. “Braxton started every game all three years. He’s one of the biggest, strongest, meanest kids I’ve ever coached. Jaiden is physically gifted as an offensive lineman with good technical skills who is also big and strong.”
Gates announced his verbal commitment to Georgia Military College late last month, calling it a “second chance” to continue to play the game he loves. GMC is a junior college that has sent nearly 600 football players to the NCAA level since 1991.
Chris Campolieta, Richmond’s defensive backs coach, said Gates “has the speed and size to play with anyone at that level, but he just has to take this second chance as a blessing, and understand that myself and the rest of Richmond County are behind him and can’t wait to follow his journey.”
Braxton Butler, Jaiden Covington and Jaleak Gates are joined by 10 of Richmond’s coaches during Wednesday’s signing day. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
Braxton Butler, Fayetteville State University
A two-time All-Sandhills Athletic Conference selection, Butler has been an anchor of the offensive line at center the last three seasons. The 6-4, 320-pound offensive lineman has been recruited to play the same position for the Broncos.
“I went up to Fayetteville State and they have a really good culture and the coaches were nice,” Butler said. “The players came out and spent the day with me and I really liked the facilities.
“I’m extremely excited to be able to continue my education and play football at Fayetteville State.”
Butler added that his time at Richmond better prepared him to join the Broncos, which compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In 2021, FSU went 8-2 and made an appearance in the CIAA championship game.
“Playing at Richmond, we had great coaches who were hard on us but were really helpful,” Butler said. “They allowed us to compete hard every game and be the best we could be.”
Butler plans on majoring in mechanical engineering while at Fayetteville State.
Jaiden Covington, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Covington was also a three-year varsity starter for the Raiders, part of a run that has seen Richmond win four straight SAC titles. Lining up at left guard, Covington’s efforts during his senior season this past fall helped him earn his first All-Conference nod.
“My visit (at Lenoir-Rhyne) was really cool and the coaches showed a lot of love. Once they threw together my package, I knew it was the school I wanted to go to,” Covington explained. “They have great facilities and it’s a nice town.
“I had a great coaching staff at Richmond, which helped me get here,” he added. “Coach McSween has been a great coach and he’s put several offensive linemen in college. He’s had a big part in my success.”
The Bears have recruited Covington to play left guard, a position the 6-4, 310-pounder is experienced in handling. Competing in the South Atlantic Conference, Lenoir-Rhyne finished the 2021 season with an 8-3 record and played in the first round of the NCAA D-II playoffs.
Covington noted that it was a special occasion to sign alongside Butler, who he’s shared the front trenches with since their freshman year.
“It was really special to celebrate today with (Braxton),” Covington said. “I’d have liked to go and play in college with him, but it didn’t work out. But we’ll always be boys and our bond did help us on the field.
“I’m just really excited for the new atmosphere and to get to do something that not everyone gets to do. I’m also excited to continue my education, too.”
Covington also plans to major in engineering while playing for the Bears.
Jaleak Gates, Georgia Military College
Gates returned to the Raiders for his senior season after missing his junior campaign, and was named an All-Conference selection while playing a new position. He made the move from linebacker to cornerback.
“It was a very exciting day and I remember my sophomore year watching so many guys sign,” Gates said. “I was really looking forward to having so many people here supporting me while I signed.
“This is a big day for me personally because this is another opportunity to let me play football,” he added. “I’m hoping that I can be successful and get a chance to play at a higher level.”
Gates led the Raider defense with 11 passes defended in 2021, and recorded two knockdowns in three different games. He finished third in the SAC with 3 interceptions, and scored once on a fumble recovery.
The 6-2, 175-pound defensive back is just as focused on his academic success as he is on the field. He will join a Bulldogs team that went 6-5 this past season and that competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
“Richmond really helped prepare me mentally and physically for this,” Gates explained. “I’m looking forward to getting my grades and GPA up and being successful on the football field.”
