Jacob Hamilton with two of his Golden Tigers coaches

Russellville High School senior linebacker Jacob Hamilton put pen to paper on Feb. 4 and made it official—his football career will continue on.

Hamilton, the Golden Tigers’ middle linebacker last season, signed with the Huntingdon Hawks in front of teammates, coaches and family last Wednesday. His constant smile was reflected by his family and friends in the small crowd gathered at Russellville High School.

Head football coach Mark Heaton said it was an important moment for Hamilton.

“This is just a small moment moving forward for Jacob because he has a lot to look forward to and this is just part of all of it as he moves on,” Heaton said. “He has a bright future and I hope he enjoys this and remembers this moment.”

Hamilton said one of his best decisions he ever made was moving to Russellville.

“I could stand up here and talk forever—I could talk forever about my teammates and my coaches and my family and everyone that helped me along the way—but no matter how much I talked they all still wouldn’t get enough credit,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said his recruitment by the Division III school started during the middle of the season.
“The coaches and I started texting around week six and we started talking,” Hamilton said. “Then it really picked up and I knew they were interested in me when they came and watched me play against Cullman.”

Hamilton said his plans are to be the “mike” linebacker at Huntingdon and he feels like he is ready for the next level.

“I’ve talked to some of the other linebackers down there and they love it,” Hamilton said. “That’s kind of when I knew I was going to sign with them and that this was going to work out for me.

“Right now my plan is to still work my way in to the middle linebacker position. It seems like it is going to be a good fit for me down there,” Hamilton said.

Heaton said Hamilton’s knowledge of the game would help carry him forward in his career.

“He studies film a lot and he is a student of the game,” Heaton said. “That and his great work ethic are the things that are going to help him going forward in his playing career.

“He is a great young man with a great attitude. He’ll find a way to get on the field.”