Jakey Dunagan to Play College Ball

Piedmont Academy senior Jakey Dunagan will get the chance to do something he eagerly wants to do: continue his football career.

Dunagan, who helped the Cougars win back-to-back state championships, signed last week with Morehead State University in Kentucky. A ceremony was held at Piedmont March 14 honoring Dunagan and to allow the senior to officially commit to the Division I school.

“We are extremely proud of Jakey,” Piedmont football coach Rhett Farmer said. “He has a chance to step in and win the long snapper job this upcoming season. He has worked very hard at developing his skills at this position.”

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Pictured with Jakey (seated, center) are his parents Missy (left) and Joey. Behind them are (left to right) Coach Danny Camp, Coach Rhett Farmer, Headmaster Tony Tanner, and Coach Wes Tanner.

Morehead State is a non-athletic scholarship Division I football program. Farmer compared it to how Mercer University will be when the Macon school begins its football program.

Dunagan said he had narrowed his choices to Morehead State and Louisiana College, a Division III school.

“I visited Morehead State and met good people,” Dunagan said. “I liked their facilities and it was a little closer to home. Plus, I liked the fact it was a Division I school. They told me I will have the opportunity to compete as a long snapper as a freshman and later in my career as a defensive lineman.”

Dunagan is currently finishing his high school academic and athletic careers. He is a member of Piedmont Academy’s baseball team.

“It will be tough leaving my parents, family and fiends, but knowing I’m not done playing football yet is a big deal for me,” Dunagan said. “I look forward to begin work toward fulfilling my dream of being a coach.”

Morehead State will open the 2012 football season against Southern Virginia Thursday, Aug. 30, at home.