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  • West Point's Jesse West (72) makes a block during a game against Hanceville last season. The Warriors' lineman signed a football and academic scholarship offer from the University of North Alabama Wednesday morning at the West Point Library. Amanda Shavers-Davis

    Jesse West

  • West Point's Jesse West, front and center, signed a football and academic scholarship offer from the University of North Alabama Wednesday morning. He was accompanied by his parents, Karen and David West. In the back row, from left to right, are offensive line coach Phillip Miller, assistant principal Kevin Sullins and coach A.J. Lamar. Rob Ketcham

    Jesse West signs

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February 1, 2012

SIGNING DAY: Ready to roar

West Point lineman signs football, academic scholarship with Lions

By Rob Ketcham The Cullman Times

WEST POINT — Just moments after signing a football and academic scholarship offer with the University of North Alabama, Jesse West set down his pen, pushed back his chair and let out a long-awaited sigh of relief.

“It’s crazy, but it’s something I’ve never done before, and I couldn’t be more excited,” the West Point senior lineman said,  referring to all the hubbub that comes along with National Signing Day. “I couldn’t be any prouder. It’s just a good feeling.”

West officially signed on the dotted line in the West Point Library Wednesday morning in front of his parents, a few coaches and teammates, and an administrator.

To say his father, David, and mother, Karen, were proud of their son’s accomplishment would be an understatement. In fact, Karen said her husband told her a couple of days ago that “it’s a father’s dream come true.”

“He’s really put in a lot of work,” David West said of his son, who often gets up at 5 a.m. to work out at the Aquatic Center or flips large tractor tires by himself on Sundays. “He knows it’s 365 days a year, not just two or three months. We’re just glad to see him get rewarded. God has blessed him with some ability, and he’s going to use it.”

Jesse wanted to make sure his parents were recognized, too, because he knows just how much of a role they have played in his success.

“I love my parents,” he said. “They believe in me no matter what. They’re going to support me through anything, any decision I make. They’ve just always been there for me.”

The fact Jesse also received an academic scholarship was “icing on the cake” for Karen, and it’s something the 6-foot-4, 295-pound lineman hasn’t overlooked.

“Their (UNA’s) coaches are real genuine,” said West, who will study physical therapy. “They want to get you there and make sure you get your education and that you’re a successful person, not just a successful football player.”

West said he has big dreams for the future, which include getting some playing time as a true freshman, winning a few national championships, being selected as an All-American and playing in the NFL one day.

As a former fullback for the Lions during their three-peat run in the ’90s, A.J. Lamar knows a bit about what it takes to play in Florence. The Warriors’ coach said he has no doubts West will fit in with UNA’s winning tradition.

“It’s a great opportunity for him and his family,” Lamar said. “It’s a special day in his life he’s going to remember forever. He’s going to do great things in his life. It’s been a blessing to be able to coach somebody like him.

“Ever since I’ve been here — the first time I saw him — he’s worked his tail off. He’s never minded the hard work or doing the little things to be great.”

Between West’s signing and the return of Bobby Wallace, who was the Lions’ head coach during Lamar’s playing days, the Warriors coach can now add a few more reasons to why he continues to be a proud alumnus.

“It gives me another reason to go up and watch some more games,” Lamar said. “He’s (West) the first guy I coached in high school who got a scholarship. He’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

All the hard work the entire West Point coaching staff has put into helping West grow as both a player and man hasn’t been lost on the lineman.

“They’ve always believed in me,” he said. “They’ve coached me to do my best, and I’ve tried my hardest for them.”

His father was also thankful for Lamar and Co.’s contributions throughout West’s prep career.

“We appreciate them so much, not easing up on him because he’s a senior,” David said. “I told Coach Lamar maybe this will help the school, motivate some other kids to work hard and let them see you can play at the next level if you dedicate yourself.”

Rob Ketcham can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 257 or at robk@cullmantimes.com.

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