Brantley School’s multi-sport standout Jayden Parks signed on the “dotted line” Tuesday, April 22, pledging his commitment to play collegiate sports at Gadsden State Community College.

Lauded as one of only a couple of Brantley students to play through all three major programs — football, basketball and baseball — during his high school career, Jayden reflected on the support of his community during the ceremony held in the school’s gymnasium.

“It means a lot to me to see my whole community, my family, friends, coaches and former teammates all get around and celebrate me,” Jayden said. “I’d like to thank my coaches at Gadsden for giving me this opportunity to come play for them. I’m just excited.”

Brantley Police Chief Titus Averett addressed supporters, as someone who mentored Jayden, watching the student-athlete grow into the standout he has become.

“He has done a lot here in Brantley,” Averett said. “In football, I think about his performance. What he did was outstanding. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

As No. 3 on the Bulldogs football team, Jayden played quarterback and center back his senior year. He completed his high school career by making 2897 passing yards and 45 touchdown passes, six interceptions and 171 pass completions  while averaging 152.5 passing yards per game.

Jayden held guard, point guard and shooting guard positions on the Bulldogs’ basketball team, finishing his senior year with a 24-5 record at second place in the region. He averaged 28.5 points per game during his final high school season, playing for Brantley in 76 games during his career.

Former Brantley coach Tony Stallworth recalled his time guiding Jayden Parks’s athletic career.

“I remember when his growth began during his ninth grade year,” Stallworth recalled. “He began to change tremendously and I said to myself, ‘Wow, I’m glad I’m on his side.’

“Jayden, what you have done thus far means a lot. The journey has just begun. [You] have to carry that to the next level.”

Andre Parks, Jayden’s coach and father, addressed his son and supporters with pride over the young man’s accomplishments.

“I stand before you today as Jayden’s coach,” Andre said. “More importantly, as his father, I can honestly say that I am proud to be here.

“We celebrate the struggle, but more than that, we are here to celebrate the journey — a story of resilience, discipline and leadership. [Jayden] didn’t just sing a letter today, he signed a bill, one of early mornings before school, late nights at practice, countless hours working to perfect strategy… I have the honor of watching, not just an athlete but the young man.”

Tanya Parks, Jayden’s mother, said watching and supporting her son grow and achieve his goals was an exciting experience.

“We put in long hours in travel ball, working when nobody was looking,” Tanya said. “Its a family affair for us, so we are really excited. We expect him to put his head down and do the work we’ve talked about. He’s been a hero around her, no he is starting over. It’s going to be different… but I want him to grow as a player as well as a student.

As he looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, Jayden said he hopes to honor his school and community.

“I want to carry on the legacy of Brantley, of the great athletes that came from here,” Jayden said. “[I want to] do my best and give my all.”