EDISON, Ga. (WALB) - Pataula Charter running back Tyree Bailey signed to play college football at Thomas University, becoming the first athlete in school history to sign a college athletic commitment.

Bailey will play for the Nighthawks in Thomasville.

“I was grateful that I was able to coach a player like Tyree Bailey,” coach TJ Brown said. “When I first got here, he told me he had goals of playing college ball. And I tell you what, he put in everything. I got onto him probably more than anyone on this football team.”

Bailey said the opportunity is meaningful to him.

“It’s a blessing, honestly, man. I can only thank God for getting me here,” Bailey said. “And I can also thank the coaches for believing in me, pushing me to strive better every day and getting me to this opportunity to where I’m at.”

Bailey said he hopes his signing inspires other Pataula Charter athletes.

“I just hope to them that they know their hard work pays off,” he said.

Bailey plans to major in criminal justice and later become a detective.

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