Three Vikings Sign Letters of Intent

Three Latta Vikings signed letters of intent on Wednesday at the Ellis Performing Arts Center.

Donell Stanley signed on with the University of South Carolina and Chase Ray and Jarred Gomillion both signed on to play for Limestone College.

Stanley-9120 — Latta’s Donell Stanley signed on to play for the University of South Carolina on Wednesday. Seated (left to right): Tina Brach, mother; Donell Stanley; Donell Stanley, Sr., father. Standing (left to right): Principal George Liebenrood; Head Coach Kelly Williamson, Kelly Stanley, grandmother; Gwen Strickland, aunt; Keneesha German, cousin; Athletic Director Aaron Miles; Deonte Stanley, brother; and Chris German, uncle. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click to view at full size!)

Stanley, one of the top prospects in South Carolina, verbally committed to the Gamecocks in October. The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder lead the Vikings in tackles and sacks and has earned numerous awards and honors, including Class A Lower State Lineman of the Year. He was the first Viking to ever be chosen for the Shrine Bowl, and was also chosen for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He fielded offers from over 30 different schools before committing to USC.

Stanley finished the 2013 football season with 110 tackles, nine sacks, and a 90-yard fumble return for a touchdown. He was also a nominee for the Mr. Football Award.

Stanley will join several Wildcats at USC, including Joe Blue, who also signed on Wednesday, and former Wildcats Kwinton Smith, Bryce King, and D.J. Park.

Ray-9112 — Latta’s Chase Ray signed on to play at Limestone College on Wednesday. Seated (left to right): Sharon Ray, mother; Robert Charles “Chase” Ray, Jr.; and Bobby Ray, father. Standing (left to right): Head Coach Kelly Williamson; Jonathan Ray, brother; Doris Smith, grandmother; Allyson Ray, sister; Patricia Bohachic, grandmother; and Athletic Director Aaron Miles. (Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click to view at full size!)

Robert Charles “Chase” Ray, Jr., kicker and punter for the Vikings, signed with Limestone College because he said he liked the coaches and the environment. He has been playing for seven years and says he was influenced by his uncle Coley.

Ray plans to major in political science and says he plans to continue to work hard.

“I will always remember our coaches working us hard to do better,” he said. “I’ll keep working hard and helping out.”

Ray’s mother, Sharon Ray, said they are all really excited about his accomplishments.

“We look forward to being a part of the Limestone family,” she said. “He always works extremely hard in all he attempts, and this is his reward.”

“We are extremely proud of all of Chase’s accomplishments since coming to Latta,” his father, Bobby Ray, said. “He has conquered all types of adversity. He taught himself to kick.”

Gomillion-9114 — Latta’s Jarred Gomillion signed on to play for Limestone College on Wednesday. Seated (left to right): Sandra Gomillion, mother; Jarred Gomillion; and Kelly Gomillion. Standing (left to right): Head Coach Kelly Williamson; Jeanette Short, grandmother; Jalen Gomillion, brother; Dannie Blair, friend and mentor; Janae Gomillion, sister; Woodrow Blair, friend and mentor; and Athletic Director Aaron Miles. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click to view at full size!)

Gomillion, offensive and defensive tackle for Latta, also signed with Limestone because he said it felt like returning to his hometown. “I like the environment,” he said.

Gomillion has been playing for four years and was encouraged by his parents, Sandra and William. He had a very good year with the Vikings, including a 45-yard fumble recovery, and helped lead the Viking defense along with Stanley. When he’s not playing, he likes to spend time with his family and friends.

Gomillion wants to become an athletic trainer and intends to carry his hard work and intensity over into his college career.

“We had a good season,” he said. “We came together as a family and I’ll never forget going to the playoffs.”

“We are extremely proud of Jarred,” his parents said. “He has worked extremely hard and has always been willing to learn. We have witnessed many great things from him and expect the best is yet to come.”