October 20, 2023
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
The Oakland Patriots are set to add seven more names into their Football Hall of Fame.
The players to be receive this prestigious recognition are listed below.
Henry Martin, class of 1987
Kaleb Oliver, class of 2017
Aaron Sears, class of 2018
Emmanuel Smith, class of 2014
Josh Smith, class of 2015
JaCoby Stevens, class of 2017
Precious Valentine, class of 2009
Aaron Sears - Oakland kicker from 2015-2018 - spoke about the privilege of being selected to the Hall of Fame.
"I am very proud to represent Oakland and be a part of its history," said Sears. "To go into the Hall of Fame with this group of players is humbling. I didn’t play organized football until I got to Oakland. The coaches and program gave me everything I needed to be a successful kicker and I’m incredibly grateful."
"Being Inducted is a great honor," said Kaleb Oliver - 2017 Oakland graduate who went on to play football at Georgia Tech and Western Kentucky. "I thank God that I am able to be recognized after all the talent that has come through Oakland. It’s a blessing."
The former Patriots will be honored with a ceremony next Friday, October 27, at half-time of the OHS vs. RHS football game.