From left: Loranna Austin, Jaydon Brunson, Jhevon Daughtry, Dalen Mickle, Madelyn Richards, Tevin Thom, Brandon Tucker
BLYTHEWOOD — Blythewood High School recognized seven members of the Class of 2018 as they announced their plans to continue their careers on the collegiate level during the school’s National Signing Day Ceremony on Feb. 7. The student-athletes represented the football, girls’ soccer, and girls’ golf programs.
Loranna Austin, daughter of Paul and Catherine Austin, signed to play soccer at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. Austin, an All-Region and All-State forward for head coach Kathy Knight, has led the Bengals in scoring each of the last three years. She has been named a team captain at Blythewood and with her club team. In addition to her accolades on the field, Austin is currently in the top five of her graduating class and is a Palmetto Fellowship Scholarship recipient.
Jaydon Brunson, son of Joseph and Debbie Brunson, has signed to continue his football career at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Brunson was a defensive back and captain for head coach Brian Smith at Blythewood. He registered 71 tackles and 14 pass break-ups for the Bengals over the past two years. Brunson is also an A/B Honor Roll Student at Blythewood.
Jhevon Daughtry, son of Yashica Mack, has signed to play football for Guilford College in Greens- boro, North Carolina. Daughtry, an outside linebacker for head coach Brian Smith, had an outstanding season for the Bengals. He was among the team leaders in tackles and was selected as the recipient of the Burlsworth Character Award.
Dalen Mickle, son of Cedric and Chaka Davis, has signed to play football at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina. Mickle, a wide receiver for head coach Brian Smith, was selected as the Most Valuable Player for the Bengal wide receivers this past season. Earning all A’s during the foot- ball season, Mickle is a member of the National History Honors Society.
Madelyn Richards, daughter of Shayne and Chris Richards, has signed to continue her golfing ca- reer at Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. A top player for head coach Jason Minkel at Blythewood, Richards helped lead the Bengals to a third-place finish at this year’s State Champion- ship Meet. Richards, a five-year letter winner at Blythewood, was selected as an All-Region perform- er each of the past two seasons.
Tevin Thom, son of Michael and Angela Thom, announced his commitment to play football on the collegiate level at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. Thom, a de- fensive lineman and tight end for head coach Brian Smith, earned three varsity letters during his time at Blythewood. He was awarded the team’s Iron Man Award this past year for his extensive play on both sides of the ball for the Bengals. Thom intends to major in psychology and kinesiology.
Brandon Tucker, son of Regina Nazery, has signed to play football at South Carolina State Univer- sity in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Tucker, a defensive lineman for head coach Brian Smith, had 14 tackles-for-a loss as a senior. He also contributed three sacks and recovered three fumbles for the Bengal defense. Tucker is also a successful member of the Bengal wrestling team.
