CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Wednesday, February 28, the Rossview High School football team celebrated the signings of three senior athletes to continue playing in college.
JT Sims signed to play at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He played a variety of roles for the Hawks over the past four years. Sims started his senior year as a slot receiver and free safety but started quarterback the last two games of the season due to injuries to Reed Bryant and Hezekiah Scott.
This was a familiar position, given his stints at quarterback throughout his career. In 2023, Sims racked up 265 yards and five rushing touchdowns, 15 receptions and 138 yards receiving yards and 235 passing yards with one touchdown, which came in the final two games.
On defense, he recorded 63 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one interception, which earned him All-Region honors at free safety. Rossview head coach Michael Hood described Sims as “the glue” to the team given his presence all over the field and leadership.
Meanwhile, Collin Michael signed to Bethel University, where he joins former Hawks Andrew Welch and Duston Chavis. Michael was the Region 7-6A tight end of the year in 2023 and also played defensive end for Rossview. On offense, he notched 20 receptions for 404 yards and seven touchdowns. Hood describes him as a “beast” at tight end who is “a great run blocker and instrumental” to the Hawks’ passing game. At defensive end, Michael had 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
D’Ron Maffett will head to Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio after a career on both sides of the ball for the Hawks and a 2023 All-Region selection. Hood calls him a “force” on defense with 72 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 5 tackles for loss in his last campaign. At offensive guard, he helped lead the Hawks’ offense to a total of over 1500 rushing yards.
“These three young men were instrumental in leading our team to a 7-3 regular season record and runner-up in the region battle,” Hood said. “These colleges are not only getting three great football players, but they are also getting young men of excellent character and achievement on and off the field.
“During their tenure at Rossview High School, these young men exemplified leadership, serving on the honor council and mentoring our younger players ensuring the legacy of excellence at Rossview continues. The recruiting coaches at each of these colleges are excited to sign them and help them as they enter the next phase of their football careers. I am looking forward to seeing what the future hold for each one of them, and I can’t wait to watch them on the college football field.”
Other Rossview High student-athletes to sign their letters of intent to play their sport at the next level include the following:
- Graham Duncan – Soccer – University of Memphis.
- Josh Villa – Soccer – Malone University.
- Jake Haynes – Soccer – UDA Soccer Academy at University of Chester in England.