Rick D’Abreu and coach. While some may consider Thomas Dale High School’s defensive end Rick D’Abreu’s senior season a nightmare, it certainly turned out well for the ultra-talented student-athlete. After choosing James Madison University in the summer, D’Abreu was lost for the season due to injury during the Knights’ first game.  Since then, his health has returned, and he’ll be playing for East Carolina University, joining two Matoaca High athletes – Jonathan Coleman and Immanuel Hickman – at the school.  As a junior, D’Abreu broke out, tallying 72 tackles, a number that ranked him third on a fierce Thomas Dale…

Manny Hickman was one of the most heavily recruited football players in Matoaca High School history, racking up over 37 FBS and FCS offers. The senior originally committed to Cincinnati, decommitted, got more offers and eventually decided on East Carolina, where he’ll play with teammate Jonathan Coleman and Thomas Dale High School’s Rick D’Abreu. At 6-2, 245, Hickman was a force at defensive end. He accumulated 50 tackles (13 for a loss of yardage) and six sacks, recovered four fumbles, forced a fumble, broke up a pass and scored a defensive touchdown. “[Hickman] is one of the best payers we…

Ramon Brown in action last year. L.C. Bird High gridiron stars may not have reeled in an Alabama offer, but it was most certainly a productive week for four Skyhawks standouts.  Two athletes committed to colleges last week: Mykey Anderson and DeMarkus Dancy. They’ll continue their academic and football careers at UVA-Wise.  “Mykey was a shutdown corner for us and a dynamic player on offense,” L.C. Bird head coach Troy Taylor said. “DeMarkus played both ways for us,” Taylor said. “He is a tough kid [who] works hard, and he will get after it on the field.” Freshman running back…

Chris Tyree carries the pigskin in football action last year. It has been an epic climb from Thomas Dale High running back/defensive back, but Chris Tyree has seemingly reached the pinnacle. This past week, Alabama extended an offer to the junior.  “Extremely blessed to receive an offer from the University of Alabama,” Tyree said on his Twitter account, @chris_tyree4.  With world-class speed, high academics and a positive attitude, the student-athlete checks the boxes every major college coach looks for. It’s no surprise that he’s racked well over 30 offers and could essentially play for which college he chooses.  His speed…

With Matoaca High School’s long history of producing quality linemen, it may come as no surprise that they have another to ascend to the college ranks: senior Justin Providence. “Justin is hard working, versatile and smart,” Matoaca coach Jay Parker said. “He brings a lot to the table as a tight end as well as a long snapper.” The 6-3, 230-pounder can long snap, play tight end, defensive end or on the offensive line. Virginia State was the latest school to notice, hence their offer. Riverside City College, a junior college in California, was the first to make him an…

Jaden Payoute, center, is pictured with his teammates from L.C. Bird High School’s football team during a signing ceremony last week. (Troy Taylor photo) L.C. Bird High School’s football program celebrated a big-time signing during the NCAA’s early signing period, which began this past week. Quarterback and defensive back Jaden Payoute signed a letter of intent to become a Virginia Tech Hokie. “It’s a very big weight (off my shoulders). It’s finally over so I can focus on what I have to do at the next level,” Payoute told Cory Van Dyke of Techsideline.com. “It’s humongous for me and my…

ABOVE: Chris Tyree totes the pigskin in action earlier this year. Chris Tyree’s name has been in the headlines for the past three years, even longer if you consider the level he was playing at in middle school. However, the Thomas Dale High School junior continues to reap the benefits of his athleticism on the field and a strong work ethic in the classroom. Last week he picked up offers from Michigan State and Kentucky. Tyree finished the football season with 1,446 yards rushing on 177 carries and 11 touchdowns. This included an electrifying 92-yard score and seven games with…

The Chesterfield Quarterback League, whose minor division includes 8- and 9-year-olds, hosted its annual Super Bowl on Saturday morning at Cosby High School. The Spring Run Huskies defeated the Salem Cowboys 19-6. Spring Run was the northern champion, and Salem was the southern champion. Tyqwez Jones scored Salem’s only touchdown on a 15-yard pass from Tehron Wilson, head coach Jake Shires said. Spring Run’s scorers were not available.