Wolfe signs with Georgia for track & field

Zavien Wolfe was too excited to make his college decision after his visit at Louisiana-monroe in September 2022. He came back to Memphis Central and told track and field coach Rashad Haynes he was ready to commit and sign.

With the December signing period approaching and limited options, Wolfe said he didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity. Haynes helped calm him down.

“Just giving that simple advice … that to me is the most rewarding thing because he trusts me,” Haynes said. “And to have that trust, he’s had success off of it.”

Five months later, Wolfe, who is ranked indoors as No. 1 in the state in the triple jump and No. 3 in the long jump by Milesplit, signed with Georgia. He chose the Bulldogs over Mississippi State, Houston, Florida State, Arkansas and Texas Tech.

“I was looking for the schools that were looking at as Zavien Wolfe,” he said. “... I wanted to be looked at as a person and not a number.”

Choosing Georgia was more than just about competing. Georgia was the best fit for him because of the NIL benefits he can maximize on with Athens being close to Atlanta.

“I’m able to brand myself better in Athens, compared to some of the other locations I was (looking) at,” Wolfe added.

Wolfe has had an illustrious high school career.

He won a USATF National Junior Olympic championship last summer in the triple jump with a leap of 47 feet, 4 inches.

During the indoor season, he set a state record with 50-0.5 in the triple jump and set a state record in the long jump at 24-5.25.

And along with records, he’ll leave as one of the best track and field athletes in Memphis Central history.

He joins Jordan Ware as two SEC track and field signees on Central’s defending state champion team this year. And Wolfe is one of four athletes in the last 10 years to sign with an SEC program from Central.

“Right now, he’ll have a chance to solidify himself as No. 1, if he’s able to capture a state championship, state record in those events,” said Haynes about whether Wolfe is the best in school history.

CHRISTINE TANNOUS/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Memphis Central’s Zavien Wolfe, one of the area’s prep sports swards winners, will compete in track and field at Georgia.