Signing Day at Dougherty: “The world will know your name”

ALBANY — In a signing ceremony filled with inspiring messages, heartfelt memories, and a standing-room-only crowd, Dougherty High School’s Kameron Davis and Maurice Davis confirmed their commitments to play college football with Florida State University and the University of Louisville, respectively.

“Everybody in Albany already knows your name,’ said Dougherty High School teacher Twila McKever, who was invited to speak on behalf of Kameron. “But it won’t be long before the world knows your name.”

Kameron Davis, who played quarterback at Dougherty but will play running back at Florida State, committed to FSU after his tenth-grade season. Davis had only two full seasons for the Trojans at Dougherty and put up almost 8,000 yards of offense. His freshman year was cut short because of Covid-19 and his senior year was cut short because of an injury.

While Kameron’s path has been clear since he was a youngster, Maurice came on strong during high school

“Maurice came in during 9th grade, and worked his butt off,” said Coach Ronnye Nelson. “He is here today because he worked so hard.”

Before the football season began last August, Maurice committed to play at Ole Miss but in November decided to decommit and has recently committed to Louisville. Both Florida State and Lousiville compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“One of the questions I have now is — Can Maurice tackle Kam? or Can Kam get by Maurice?,” said Nelson.

The 2024 college football schedule does not include a matchup between the two teams next season but it could in future years.

Both players thanked family, coaches, teachers and others to help them reach this point in short speeches. In a ceremony full of speeches with heart-tugging memories, Kameron gave one the most poignant lines of the day when he spoke to his younger brother Kani from the podium,”You’re five years younger, but I look up to you. You make me a better person.”

Former Dougherty head coach Johnny Gilbert pointed out that both players have 3.5 GPAs and are headed to their new locations in January, having completed high school graduation requirements.

After the signing, Dougherty Head Football Coach Uyl Joyner awarded both players a Dougherty “Coin of Distinction.” The coin of distinction is awarded to those who have made a difference at Dougherty High School.

Kameron and Maurice were lauded for their kindness, respectfulness, work ethic and their drive. Before this class of seniors, led by the two Davis boys being honored, Dougherty struggled to get a win on the football field. With this class of seniors Trojans won 19 games in the two full seasons they had together.

“I came in during the season’s first week and you two bought in immediately. That brought everybody else in,” said Joyner. “I owe you both. Tough days are ahead, there will be tough times. So if you need support or if I can help, you call. If you need to work out when you’re home, call.”

Kameron is the son of Roosevelt Davis and Diana Carr Davis. Maurice is the son of Maurice Davis, Sr. and Megan Jordan.

Joe WhitfieldJoeWhitfield[email protected]
Joe WhitfieldJoeWhitfield[email protected]