MADISON- The special teams unit of the James Clemens football team has been highlighted by the signing of two of its athletes as offensive lineman/ long snapper Cameron Stevens and punter Drew Blackwell each signed athletic scholarships to continue to play football at the college level.

“I never thought I’d be in these shoes as this is a dream come true,” said Blackwell, who signed with Birmingham Southern.

For Stevens, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound winner of the school’s Iron Man Award and Scholar Athlete Award, chose Faulkner University where he wants to study computer science and one day obtain a job working for the U.S. Government.

“The coaches impressed me with my own personal visit instead with a group of players, plus they offered a full scholarship,” said Stevens, son of Sean Stevens and Sandy Robinson, as well as, his stepfather Brian Robinson.

Blackwell (5-11,155) averaged 38.6 yards per punt for the Jets. He played wide receiver until his freshman year when he was encouraged to try punting. Under the watchful eye of head coach Wade Waldrop, who himself was a punter in college, Blackwell steadily improved his kicking skills to where he considered several schools to attend before choosing Birmingham Southern.

“I fell in love with the campus and the coaches and players were all very helpful,” added Blackwell, son of John Blackwell and Alison Austin. “This is a dream as when I first got into football I couldn’t hardly lift any weights and now, today, this is unreal,” said Blackwell.

The signing of an athletic scholarship was a bitter-sweet moment for Stevens as he has engaged adversity and kicked it right in the mouth. He has had four major surgeries for a collection of injuries and other body strife along with dealing with chronic acid reflux. He feels he has conquered those hardships and is well on his way to enriching his life.

“I’m excited about my signing as it’s a great opportunity to play on the next level as I’m working towards my future,” said Stevens, who will study to become an orthodontist.