Westover’s Jermad Thomas and Greg Marshall sign letters of intent

ALBANY — The number of college athletes produced by Westover High continues to grow. Thursday afternoon, offensive lineman Jermad Thomas and quarterback Greg Marshall signed letters of intent to play for Point University and Northeast Oklahoma respectively.

For Thomas, his signing represented a payoff for the hard work he’s put in to overcome an ankle injury suffered during his senior year.

“I never thought I’d be recruited,” he said. “I did get hurt and didn’t think I would play as much as I would, but I didn’t want to leave my senior year without playing.”

He heads to a Point University program that’s on its way to creating a solid program and he said he’s excited to contribute.

“They’re a rebuilding program and they’re trying to better their team and make steps to get closer and closer to winning a title,” he said. “[I’m bringing] enthusiasm, work ethic and the ability to win.”

For Marshall, his signing brings about an opportunity to see the country. The senior said he’s just as excited to move to a new state as he is to play a new position. Marshall is moving to wide receiver, and he said Westover has prepared him well.

“They made me work hard and helped me become the leader I am and go to farther places and improve my athleticism in different places,” he said.

Westover head coach Octavia Jones said that leadership will carry him far.

“Greg was an exceptional leader for us his senior year,” he said. “It was his turn to step up and be a leader and he definitely fit that mold.”

Jones noted that Thomas was able to take care of business on and off the field. When addressing the crowd of Westover students Thursday, Jones told of how Thomas and Marshall were in church with him every Sunday. Afterward, Jones said he believes both will have an impact at the next level.

“Both of those guys are top quality character guys that are going to go on and do well at their respective institutions,” he said.

The Patriots continue to churn out college talent,and Jones said the players have made good things happen.

“It’s really easy because the guys put in all the work,” he said. “They do their due diligence in the classroom, they provide opportunities for themselves to be able to go on to the next level and get their post-secondary education.”

He added that their success serves as a beacon of hope for the younger student athletes at the school.

“Every time I set up for these (signings), I always here in the background, the rumblings ‘that’s gonna be one day,’ ” Jones said. “So they’re definitely motivated to one day have this opportunity to have this experience.”