Kendall Barrett, Judah Thomas sign with NAIA Eagles
There will undoubtedly be plenty of trips to Waleska, Ga. on the horizon over the next few years for Ridgeland head coach football Kip Klein.
After seniors Terrance and Torrance Roberts gave their signatures to Reinhardt University on Feb. 5, two more Panther players — seniors Kendall Barrett and Judah Thomas — inked letters of intent this last Monday to join an Eagles’ program that has become of the country’s top NAIA programs over the last half-decade.
“These are two that until their senior year, hadn’t played a whole lot for us,” Klein explained. “But they both put up really good test scores. It’s a true testament to what we talk about with our kids all the time. If you put up (test) scores and you play well, (colleges) will find you.”
Barrett, a tight end, said he had been working toward an opportunity like this for a long time.
“I’ve been grinding as hard as I can, on and off the field,” he said. “This really means the world to me.”
Barrett, one of the biggest and strongest players on the Ridgeland team, said he hopes to improve on those attributes with the Eagles.
“I’m still young, but I’ve already kind of developed as far as strength training goes,” he added. “Hopefully I’ll be able to harness more of my catching ability and blocking ability and be able to contribute.”
He also added that he loved the Reinhardt campus.
“It’s beautiful,” he continued. “It’s very small and kind of condensed, but I really like the small school setting and the classroom setting. The weight training facilities are great and the locker room is great. I’ve only been down there twice, but overall, it’s just a fun place to be.”
Thomas, a defensive lineman, said he didn’t have a lot of self-motivation to play sports until his older brother, Anthony, got him into playing football and working out in the weight room.
“He really helped push me to the best of my abilities,” Thomas said.
“This opportunity means a lot,” he added. “I come from a family who really loves football, but I also come from a family that’s dealt with some medical struggles. I’ve always pushed myself to get better and someday be someone that can support my mom, who has had the biggest health issues.”
Like Barrett, Thomas has been very impressed with the RU weight program, headed up by the Eagles’ strength and conditioning coach, Tyler Bertolini. Bertolini is a former standout at Gilmer High and played for the Bobcats under onetime Ridgeland head coach Wesley Tankersley.
“What I like best (about Reinhardt) is their workout program,” Thomas added. “I’m definitely trying to get bigger and build up more strength because at defensive tackle, when you’re playing one-on-one, or sometimes even two-on-one, you’ve got to be strong and quick, so that’s what I’m trying to focus on. I’m really trying to get bigger.”
Thomas also said he likes the Waleska campus.
“It’s wonderful. It’s secluded and it keeps you away from all the noise and distractions and that’s really important,” he stated.
Klein said that he couldn’t be happier for the two players, who were both All-region (6-AAAA) honorable mention selections back in the fall.
“Judah had been looking at Carson-newman and some other places, but the offer came in and Reinhardt was willing to sweeten the pot,” he explained. “I had gone to a college recruiting fair a couple of months ago and everybody started talking about Kendall because the kid had gotten bigger and stronger and faster. Plus, he put up about a 30 on the ACT.
“With that being said, Reinhardt can give them academic money and athletic money and it was a win-win for both sides. I look forward to seeing what they both can do because they both have a lot of untapped potential.
“They’ve got some size and when they get to college and they’re on the weight plan and the meal plan, their bodies will change and they’ll become men. They’re both still just 18 years old and by the time they get to be 20, there’s no telling how big they will be. Hopefully they can take that and use it to the best of their abilities.”
Barrett said he wants to major in sports studies and hopefully get a Masters in Sports Administration and Kinesiology, while Thomas plans to major in psychology with designs on earning a PHD and becoming a psychiatrist. He plans to minor in health and fitness as a backup.
Both students are members of the Ridgeland Honors Academy.