Wilson County Athletes Make It Official on National Signing Day
There’s something special about National Signing Day - the energy, the pride, and the sense of accomplishment that radiates from high school gyms and auditoriums across the country. In Wilson County, that feeling was in full force as over 20 student-athletes from multiple sports officially put pen to paper and locked in their college commitments.
From the gridiron to the softball diamond, from the swimming pool to the bowling lanes, these athletes have poured years into their craft - and now, they’re reaping the rewards. Here’s a breakdown of the signees making the leap to the next level and the performances that helped them get there.
Green Hill Football Sends a Strong Class to the Next Level
TJ Buchanan was a force in the secondary for Green Hill this fall, and now he’s headed to the University of Indianapolis. At 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, Buchanan’s length and instincts helped him rack up 41 tackles, four pass breakups, and three tackles for loss. He earned All-Region 4-6A honors and chose the Greyhounds over offers from Eastern Kentucky, UT Martin, and Stetson.
Ethan Harris, a two-way lineman with serious power, is taking his talents to Davidson College. At 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds, Harris anchored the trenches for the Hawks and earned First Team All-Region, All-Wilson County, and TSWA Class 4A All-State recognition. He becomes the third Division I commit in this year’s class under head coach Josh Crouch.
Hayden Kennedy made his presence felt with 30 total tackles and five tackles for loss. His next stop: Sterling College.
Mike Palmer, Buchanan’s partner in the defensive backfield, matched him with 41 tackles and added four pass breakups, three tackles for loss, two picks, a forced fumble, and a recovery. That all-around production earned him First Team All-Region 4-6A honors and a spot at Georgetown College.
Jaxon Sumner was a tackling machine at linebacker, finishing with 65 total stops, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks. He’s headed to Trine University after earning First Team All-Region 4-6A honors.
Gavin Uhlir wasted no time after receiving his offer from Lindsey Wilson University in October - he committed just three days later. A key piece on both sides of the line, Uhlir earned First Team All-Region 4-6A honors in his senior year.
Lebanon’s Defensive Leader Finds His Home
Jajuan Stafford made life miserable for opposing offenses this season, and now he’s bringing that same energy to the University of Indianapolis. The Region 4-6A Defensive Lineman of the Year finished with 82 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and eight sacks for the Blue Devils. He continues a pipeline from Lebanon to the Greyhounds under head coach Chuck Gentry.
Mt. Juliet Athletes Shine Across the Board
Brookelyn Aldridge brought power to the plate for Mt. Juliet softball, launching four home runs and batting .248 across 111 plate appearances. She’s staying local with a commitment to Cumberland University.
Bella Brewer, a steady presence in the infield, posted a .330 average with five homers and 22 RBIs last season. She’ll continue her career at Bryan College.
Isaac Craig helped bring Mt. Juliet boys bowling back to prominence, leading the team to its first TSSAA state championship appearance in over 20 years.
Individually, he placed 14th at state with a six-game average of 196. He’s signed with Cumberland University.
Madden Daly will continue his football journey at Morehead State University after a strong career with the Golden Bears.
Claire Emery, a key contributor for Mt. Juliet girls basketball, was averaging eight points and five rebounds per game entering the final week of January. She’s heading to Wheaton College.
Tucker Griffith brought speed and pop to the Golden Bears’ baseball lineup. He hit .302 with a .919 OPS, swiped 17 bags, and added a pair of home runs. He’s signed with Carson-Newman University.
Daniel Happy will take his swimming talents to Lewis University after a standout career in the pool.
Miguel Hernandez was a disruptive force on the defensive line, totaling 51 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. The Kentucky Wesleyan signee earned First Team All-Region, All-Wilson County honors, and was named the Tennessee Titans Latino Player of the Year.
Savannah Mahoney is taking her acrobatics and tumbling skills to Manhattan University.
William Payne, a senior captain and linebacker, recorded 70 tackles, six tackles for loss, and forced and recovered a fumble. He earned First Team All-Region 4-6A honors and is heading to Maryville University.
Sierra Shoop made the most of her 30 plate appearances last spring, hitting .308 with eight hits and scoring 20 runs. She’s also signed with Maryville.
Jakob Thompson has been a consistent scoring threat for Mt. Juliet boys soccer and his club team, Tennessee United, over the past four years. With 32 goals and 24 assists to his name, the former All-District 12-AAA selection is off to UT Southern.
Shanah Wilson will continue her cheerleading career at Austin Peay State University.
Wilson Central’s Fullback Finds His Fit
Kaden Rau bulldozed his way to Region 4-6A Fullback of the Year honors under head coach Ben Kuhn. He’ll continue his football career at Lindsey Wilson University.
Final Thoughts
This Signing Day was more than just a ceremony - it was a celebration of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. For these Wilson County athletes, it’s the start of a new chapter. And for the communities they represent, it’s a proud moment that speaks to the strength of local high school sports.
These young men and women aren’t just moving on to college athletics - they’re carrying with them the legacy of their schools, their teammates, and the families who’ve supported them every step of the way.