The signing of four Latta High School varsity football players to the college level took center stage at The Ellis Performing Arts Center in Latta on Wednesday, February 7.
Latta High School Principal Leigh Sloan opened the ceremony by introducing the young men.
Sloan remarked “It is great to have this number of young men who not only play football well enough for college but also have the grade point average to be eligible. We are fortunate in our small corner of the world to have this many”.Latta High head football coach Brandon Iseman praised all of these young men as they take the next step in their careers. “These young men will be difficult to replace at Latta. We wish them much success as they continue to pursue their dreams.”
Athletic Director Aaron Miles reiterated the statements made by both Principal Sloan and Coach Iseman plus he stressed the importance of getting an education. “You have a great opportunity. Apply yourself. Make us proud.”.
An exciting event took place on Wednesday, February 7, at the Ellis Performing Arts Center in Latta as three Latta High football players advance in their dreams by signing with different colleges.
Although Blake Tyler, son of Billy and Kem Tyler, was offered by other schools, he inked to play with Presbyterian College because of the value the institution places on academics. He also felt at home while visiting there.
Blake will pursue a degree in business administration management.
Tyler was influenced most in football by his father, Billy Tyler.
Not only was Blake a 4-year starter on the offensive line on the Latta varsity football team and 2 years on the Latta junior varsity team, he also was a member of the Latta track team from the eighth grade through his junior year.
Blake carries a special memory with him about football at Latta. While in his sophomore year, the Latta team upset Bamberg in the playoffs.
Blake understands that to be successful he must continue his desire to outwork everyone if he wants to succeed on the next level.
Tyler enjoys fishing and weight lifting as his hobbies.
Blake’s parents, Billy and Kem Tyler exclaimed “We are so proud of Blake. He has always been dedicated and willing to work hard to achieve his goals. He is a leader on and off the field and tries to motivate others for the betterment of the team.”
Kendall Moultrie inked on the dotted line today to play football at South Carolina State as he continues his football career at the next level. The signing took place at the Ellis Performing Arts Center in Latta on Wednesday, Februay 7.
Moultrie was not only a standout on the Latta football team, he also played basketball and baseball at Latta.
Kendall has enjoyed the game of football the past 5 years since his brother encouraged and influenced him in the sport.
Although Kendall received other offers, Kendall is anxious to begin his career at a place where he will enjoy the campus that is full of caring people such as his future coaches and will be the best fit for him football wise.
As Moultrie pursues his dream he will carry the knowledge he has learned from his coaches plus the desire to be a great player.
Kendall should be able to find a spot on the team as he is a wide receiver and a defensive back.
He will be majoring in engineering while preparing for the future after football.
Kendall picked up several honors while playing at Latta such as a 2-time All State honoree, 2A Lower Back of the Year, and Blitz Player of the Week.
While not practicing or playing football, Kendall enjoys hanging with his friends.
Moultrie’s parents, Yvette Hokett and Bernard Moultrie are extremely proud of their son. They stated “Kendall has worked hard to achieve the goals he set for himself, both on and off the field. We expect great accomplishments from him while at South Carolina State”.
Mikey Dotson, another Latta High football standout, signed to play with Newberry College on Wednesday, February 7, at the Ellis Performing Arts Center in Latta.
He will major in sports management.
Dotson was influenced most by his dad in the sport of football.
After having played for about 8 years, Mikey believes he can be a factor in making the football program even better at Newberry.
Dotson carries a great work ethic and determination with him from the high school level to the college level.
Mikey was an outstanding middle linebacker at Latta and was honored as the Defensive Player of the Year.
While at Latta, Dotson learned that teammates turn into “brothers”, and he hopes to carry this with him to the next level.
While not on the football practice field or playing in a football game, Dotson enjoys fishing, hanging with friends, and riding 4-wheelers.
His parents, Greg and Leigh Dotson, both wish him the best as he continues his dream.
Greg and Leigh remarked “Mikey will do great at Newberry as he gives 100 per cent to anything he pursues. He gives his all to his teammates and the game of football. We expect great accomplishments from him while at Newberry. We are extremely proud of him”.
Jamarcus Legette took the next step in his football career by signing with the University of Charleston in West Virginia at the ceremony held in the Ellis Performing Arts Center in Latta.
Jamarcus has played football nearly all of his life. He was influenced the most in football by Coach Travis Lewis.
He was offered by other schools such as Central State University, but believes he should fit in well at the University of Charleston as he fell in love with the school on his official visit, and the school runs the same style of defense that he likes. He will major in business.
Jamarcus’ most favorite memory while at Latta is scoring 4 touchdowns against the Marion Swamp Foxes.
Legette is a good running back and also plays spur so he should be able to find a position at the University.
After all, he believes in hard work as evidenced by his winning the All Regions Honors.
In his spare time, if any after football, he enjoys working at IGA and hanging with his friends.
Jamarcus’ mother, Veronica Legette exclaimed “I am so proud of my son for doing what he loves to do”.
Latta head football coach, Brandon Iseman, stated “Jamarcus is a great kid and will do well at the next level. I am proud of him.”

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