CBHS losing star RB Warren
Transfer will bring boost to Whitehaven
Christian Brothers’ loss is Whitehaven’s gain.
Ramadi Warren, the Brothers’ standout running back, said he is transferring to the defending Class 6A state champions for his senior season. His presence figures to go a long way toward filling the huge hole left by the graduation of Mark Dodson, who ran for 3,295 yards in 2012 — the secondhighest single- season total in Tennessee history — and scored all five touchdowns and the game-winning two-point conversion in overtime in Whitehaven’s 36-35 victory over Maryville.
Warren cited family financial problems as the reason behind his move, but he said he already has a family waiting for him at Whitehaven.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Warren said during last weekend’s Premier Sports Nation High School Football Combine.
“I grew up with a lot of the players over there, guys like (wide receiver) Laderriel Ester, (linebacker) Josh McMillon, (quarterback) Jordan Williams ... I feel very comfortable over there.”
Tigers coach Rodney Saulsberry said he has been in contact with the TSSAA regarding the move, which
won’t become official until the first week of practice, which begins July 29.
Warren, who had been a regular in the CBHS backfield since his freshman season, ran for 1,031 yards — averaging just over nine yards per carry — and scored 20 touchdowns while helping the Purple Wave to a 9-2 record last season.
He gained 192 yards and scored three touchdowns — including a 90-yard run — in the regular-season finale against St. Benedict and followed that up with 160 yards on 25 carries and three more touchdowns in the playoff loss to Montgomery Bell Academy.
Provided he stays healthy and the Tigers make another deep postseason run, Warren should easily surpass those numbers in 2013. And that will only further enhance the 5-9 ½ , 192-pounder’s recruiting profile.
Warren already has offers on the table from North Carolina and Arkansas State. Other potential suitors include Ten-
I probably won’t make a decision until the end of the season.” Ramadi Warren, running back
nessee, Middle Tennessee State and Memphis.
But while Warren is frequently in a hurry on the football field — he’s been timed in the mid-4.4 range in the 40-yard dash — he’s in no rush to make his college choice known.
“I probably won’t make a decision until the end of the season,” he said. “Right now, it’s too early. I’m just looking for a place where I can feel comfortable and feel at home.”
Whatever school lands Warren will be getting a solid citizen off the field and a versatile player on it.
“I really can do anything to help my team,” he said. “I can catch and block and I’m smart and coachable. I’m really an all-around back.
“I just want to keep getting better.”