Three ICC football players taking their game to the next level

Itawamba Community College head football coach Jon Williams has announced three ICC Indian football players have signed National Letters of Intent to play football with Division I programs on Wednesday.

Ryan Thompson (Pontotoc) signed with Indiana University, Wes Saxton (Hueytown, AL) with the University of South Alabama and Martrez Townes (Southaven) with Troy University.

"These guys have meant a lot to our program," said Williams. "They are great athletes and great leaders that really helped our program enjoy success both on the field and off the field."

Thompson is the first player in storied history of the ICC football program to sign with the Hoosiers of Indiana. 

"I really want to thank the coaches for getting me to this point in my football career," said Thompson. "I didn't have any kind of offers coming out of high school and thanks to the coaches believing in me and giving me the opportunities to prove myself on the field I have the opportunity to live out a life-long dream of playing football on a big time level."

The 6'2 sophomore defensive back finished the season with 44 tackles with four tackles going for a loss of 15 yards, picked off three passes that were returned for a total of 46 yards, broke up three pass and recovered one fumble that was returned 28 yards.

"I'm ready to get on campus to help Coach (Kevin) Wilson start to turn things around by taking the lessons of hard work and dedication the coaches taught me here at ICC."

Saxton signed to take his game to South Alabama after one season with the Indians.

"I really appreciate everything the coaches did to get me ready to take my game to the next level by preparing me to be at the top of my game while showing me how taking care of business in the classroom relates to how I handle myself on the field as well," said Saxton.

The 6'4 freshman tight end earned MACJC All-State second team honors after hauling in 137 yards and one touchdown on 10 catches for ICC.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to play at a program like South Alabama and hope to be able to make an immediate impact by working hard to prepare for next season both on the field and in the classroom."

Townes will join former ICC teammate Xavian Evans (Pontotoc) at Troy next season.

"I'm excited about being at Troy next season," said Townes. "When I came to ICC I knew the coaches would do everything they could to help me continue my football career, but they did a lot more."

"They taught me how I handle myself off the field reflects how I handle myself on the field. Once I started to see what they meant I really wanted to work harder in the classroom and be more of a leader for my teammates off the field and that motivation from my coaches is what got me this opportunity to continue my football career." 

The 6'1 sophomore defensive back earned MACJC All-State first team honors and was selected to participate in the MACJC All-Star game after recording 46 tackles with six going for a loss of 31 yards, a sack for a loss of nine yards, three interceptions returned for a total of 85 yards, three pass break ups and a fumble recovery for the Indians.

Williams expects future announcements about other players taking signing to continue their careers as student athletes with various programs across the nation after the Christmas break.