HHS students sign commitments on National Signing Day

By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The Highland Home School gymnasium was filled with excitement and pride Dec. 4, as standout athletes Jakaleb “JJ” Faulk and CJ May signed their letters of intent to play college football during a National Signing Day ceremony. The event marked a milestone for both players as they prepared to embark on their collegiate careers.

May, the son of Morris and Cynthia May, committed to take his talents to the University of Louisville, where he will play for the Cardinals. Faulk, the son of the late Russell Eric Faulk and Lakendral Barnes, will join his brother Keldric on the Tigers’ team at Auburn University. 

Highland Home head football Coach Justin Bragg opened the ceremony with a heartfelt address to those in attendance.

“The football program here has done many great things, and we have accomplished a lot this year that would not have been possible without these two,” Bragg said. “These seniors, and all the other senior players, mean a lot to me and this community. We appreciate all the sacrifices they have made, and I would like to thank the parents of my players as well for their sacrifices, dedication and support.”

May, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end, chose Louisville over Auburn, Syracuse and Washington, and also held offers from Clemson, Miami, Penn State, Tennessee and other top programs. A two-time All-State honoree and CM Gridiron’s Best Defensive End in Alabama, May has an impressive résumé that includes leading Highland Home to its first undefeated regular season and a Class 2A state semifinal appearance as well as leading the baseball team to a state championship. He will be playing in the 2024 AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game in Mobile Friday and will also be playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Dec. 21 in Texas. 

“I would like to thank God for blessing me with this life changing opportunity to further my talents at the next level,” May said. “I want to give a special thank you to my family for the amount of time and effort they’ve put into my career, and I also want to give a special thanks to Mr. Daniels and Mrs. Cody for making sure I was on track to graduate in Dec. and for answering the phone anytime a university called looking for information. To my teammates and coaches, thank you for helping me become the player and leader I am today. Lastly, I want to thank the fans and the community for the memories and support.”

May’s mother expressed her confidence in Louisville as the right choice for her son.

“Louisville is the place for him, both academically and athletically,” Cynthia said. “They truly believe in him and what he can bring to the table. I know that he will be a difference maker both on the field and in the classroom. We know he will be in good hands there and will have some great role models that he has already built relationships with on his visits. That helps this mom’s heart so much.”

Jakaleb Faulk, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker, chose Auburn over Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Georgia. A key player for Highland Home, Faulk helped lead the team to a 28-5 record and a 2A Final Four appearance. 

Known for his versatility and talent, Faulk also played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game and was named to the AL.com A-List. https://www.al.com/sports/2024/08/a-list-no-12-highland-homes-jakaleb-faulk-is-a-legacy-but-charting-his-own-course.html He will join the Tigers to play alongside his brother Keldric Faulk, who is also a Highland Home alumnus.

“I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and family for their sacrifices and encouragement,” Faulk said. “I know my mom is super excited to watch me and my brother play our dream sport at Auburn, and I know our dad would be proud of us.”

Faulk’s mother, Lakendral Barnes, shared her enthusiasm for her son’s choice, offering advice to other parents and athletes.

“I would like to encourage parents to take their kids to any sporting camps for the sport they want to pursue,” Barnes said. “These camps will help with development and will also give colleges a chance to see star athletes. Parents should also encourage their kids to reach for the stars because the sky is not the limit.”

She also praised Auburn’s academic reputation.

“Academically, Auburn is known for high achievement, excellence, research, and teaching. My oldest son Keldric Faulk is a current student there playing football and has excelled tremendously on and off the field. The coaching staff and Auburn family have shown the definition of a home away from home, which is a big part of my household upbringing for my kids.”

Photos by Squadron Network