By Harrison Louis
If you want to get better, sometimes you need to take a step outside your comfort zone, get some fresh air, and remind yourself of who you are and who you want to be.
Mariel Jennings has taken stock of his life and now knows where he needs to be.
Jennings, a 6-4 wide receiver who graduated from Thomas Dale declared he would play football at Fork Union Military Academy.
The 170-pounder looks to make a huge impact and handle business for Fork Union.
“What I like about the program is they are all about business up there,” he said. “It’s hard, of course, because it’s a military academy, but that’s what I want; a challenge on my hands… they will get me where I need to go when the is right for me.”
“I feel I can make a major impact on the team – being quick and tall with athleticism.”
Thomas Dale coach Kevin Tucker said Jennings should have no problem settling in for the Blue Devils.
“He was a big-time player for us ,” Tucker said. “because teams doubled-covered [primary wide-receiver]Brian Bullock, which allow Mariel to make some big catches throughout the season.”
Jennings, who had 16 catches, 289 receiving yards, and five touchdowns, and was named first team All-Conference. He has blazing speed, running a 4.50 record 40-yard dash. He also bench presses 210 pounds and squats 325, both impressive marks for s wide receiver.
Fork Union had a 4-6 season last year but with Jennings joining the team, he should make a huge impact with the team. Jennings will play wide receiver for Fork Union. Jennings has blazing speed running a 4.50 40-yard dash, he bench-presses 210 pounds, and squats 325, which are excellent for a wide receiver.
Jennings is not the only player known to go to Fork Union after high school. Fork Union has featured Eddie George (Ohio State) 1995 Heisman Winner and All-Pro Running Back, Plaxico Burress (Michigan State) first-round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft Super Bowl winner and wide receiver, and most recent Carlos Hyde (Ohio State) second-round pick in 2014 NFL Draft Running Back. Burress and George have had successful careers in the NCAA and NFL in their times. Also, Vinny Testaverde, a quarterback from the University of Miami, who had an amazing 21-year NFL career. An impressive list continues with current Washington Redskins offensive tackle and Meadowbrook alum Morgan Moses.
Now Jennings will have an opportunity to put his name on this list also.
