Veteran head football coach Pat Byrd saw Wednesday morning as a day of opportunity for the football program at Winston Academy.
While J.J. Beamon (Holmes CC) and Cage Palmer (East Mississippi), a pair of seniors, were the center of attention as they signed to play football on the junior college level, Byrd said he hoped a foundation was being laid for the future for the Patriots.
“It’s a big deal,” Byrd said. “I see it as another step in us just trying to get better. It lets others see there are opportunities out there if you work for them.”
Beamon, a 6foot-2, 195-pound running back for WA, will likely add 30 pounds to his frame as he moves to the defensive side of the ball when he gets to Holmes Community College.
“I think he is still real raw, and has a big upside,” Byrd said. “He has a lot to learn but I think he will adjust and have a good career down there.”
Beamon rushed for 437 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry, while recording 58 tackles on defense.
Byrd said Palmer lacked confidence two years ago, but things changed this season as he blossomed into an outstanding receiver, catching 49 passes for 981 yards and nine touchdowns.
“He was always a kid with good ability who could run and jump. This year, the switch just kind of flipped for him,” Byrd said. “He runs really good routes and has really soft hands.”
Byrd said he could be very productive in a wide-open offense such as the one EMCC runs.
