August 8, 2016
By JAMES EVANS and KEITH RYAN CARTWRIGHT
Rutherford County Schools
Prior to Monday afternoon's press conference, the only people who knew where Oakland standout JaCoby Stevens would go to college were his parents.
Now, all of college football knows, along with his fellow varsity football teammates and classmates.
Stevens — who has family in Louisiana — verbally committed to Louisiana State University while sitting with his family behind a table in Oakland High School's gymnasium.
"It's an honor you came," Stevens said in front of a crowd of media, students, teachers, administrators and family. "I was nervous no one was going to show up, but you all proved me wrong.
"I want to thank God. I wouldn't be here without him. He worked wonders for me and put people in my life that showed me the path I needed to take."
Oakland football coach Kevin Creasy complimented Stevens dedication, commitment and work ethic.
"The attention he gets is well deserved. He works for everything he's gotten. He set goals and he's accomplished them," Creasy said. "He's never missed a summer workout. He's never missed a day in the weight room."
Stevens' trainer Buck Fitzgerald attended the press conference, and before the decision was announced, he took the opportunity to praise the student-athlete for the way he treats others and the relationships he has built.
"You can tell someone's true character when the cameras aren't rolling and people aren't watching him," Fitzgerald said, adding, "Coach Creasy and Oakland High School have provided a great platform for JaCoby to be a successful student-athlete."
Creasy and Fitzgerald both complimented Stevens' commitment in the classroom.
Nationally, Stevens is the No. 2-ranked safety and No. 27 college prospect overall, according to 247Sports.com.