T.J. Blanks
Football
Positions: linebacker, wide receiver
Received Interest from: Methodist University, Fayetteville, N.C.
Why he picked Methodist: “The school saw that I had a lot of potential, and the coach and school were both very nice.”
Notes: Blanks was a standout on special teams for Thomas Dale High School in 2018.
Justin Barbour
Football
Positions: Defensive back
Received interest from: Methodist University
Why he picked Methodist: “I wanted to get out of the state and I liked the coaches there. T.J. and I have been good friends since freshman year, and we’ll room together.”
Notes: Barbour was one of the Knights’ top special teams options, making multiple tackles in five games this past year.
Bailey Hodges
Baseball
Position: Right fielder
Received Interest from: West Virginia Wesleyan, Ferrum
Why he picked Ferrum: “I decided on Ferrum because that was the best opportunity for me to play; it was just the best opportunity and surroundings.”
Notes: Hodges was a team leader in addition to being one of the most athletic on the diamond for coach Austin McGhee.
Adam Hall
Football
Position: Linebacker
Received interest from: Norfolk State, William and Mary, Old Dominion, Princeton, Yale, Virginia State
Why he picked Virginia State: “When I got on campus, I felt like I was at home. It felt like I was meant to be. My aunt and uncle went to Virginia State. I wasn’t really set on going Division I, I just wanted the school that was the best fit for me.”
Notes: Hall was a team captain and continued the long tradition of strong linebackers at Thomas Dale. He led the team in tackles.
Deon Batts
Lacrosse
Positions: Face off, midfielder
Received interest from: Northern Vermont, Rosemont, Ferrum
Why he picked Ferrum: “They made me feel like I was at home. It’s close enough for my family to come see the games.”
Notes: Batts is playing college lacrosse after playing just one season of the sport in high school.
Teanna Davis
Softball
Positions: Catcher, utility
Received interest from: Randolph College, other Division III schools
Why she chose Randolph: “I chose the school because I loved the atmosphere of the team. The coach is supportive and was very welcoming.”
Haley Runyon
Field Hockey
Position: Midfielder
Received interest from: Bridgewater, other Division III schools
Why she chose Bridgewater: “I liked the feel of the campus. The chemistry on the team fit really well. When I did my overnight visit, it was a lot of fun, and most importantly, they had my major.”
Notes: Runyon was the leading scorer on coach Logan Mason’s team.
Garrett Graves
Football
Position: Kicker/punter
Received Interest from: Bridgewater College, other Division III schools
Notes: Graves will be attending Bridgewater and continues a trend of Thomas Dale kickers to ascend to the next level, including Anthony Prevost and Plato Eliades.
Ejay Walker
Football
Position: Quarterback/defensive back
Received interest from: Ferrum, other Division III schools
Notes: Walker managed to attract the attention of several colleges despite a season in which he missed time due to injury. Athletic and smart, he projects as a defensive back at Ferrum.
Mackenzie Scott
Volleyball
Position: Outside hitter
Received Interest from: McKendree, Quincy, St. Francis (Brooklyn), Lees McRae, Tusculum
Why he chose Tusculum: “It’s a great location for me being close to home. I loved the campus and the surrounding town. The coach is a perfect fit for me.”
Notes: Scott was a big part of Thomas Dale’s run to the state title game. The senior made 168 kills,112 digs and notched first team all-region and first team all-state honors.
