Edgewater football coach Cameron Duke wore his emotions on his sleeve Wednesday afternoon while closing out an early National Signing Day ceremony inside the school’s gymnasium.
Duke began to choke up after four senior players signed National Letters of Intent and shared their own words of gratitude while flanked by family and friends.
Christian Leary (Alabama), Deshawn Troutman (Miami) and Tommi Hill (Arizona State) each signed with Power 5 programs. Kevin Butler, a three-year starter at defensive back, signed with Eastern Kentucky.
“It’s a dream come true. I never thought I’d be here,” Butler said.
The scholarship offers signed by each of the four players amounts to more than $800,000, according to Duke.
“We’re losing great football players, but we’re passing off really good men to the next institution,” Duke said as his voice began to crack. “There’s a lot of love in this program. I know myself and this staff love each one of you, and we’re praying for you as you move on. We know they’ll be getting not just great football players, but phenomenal young men.”
Edgewater players and coaches return to the field one last time in 2020 on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Class 7A state championship game at Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. The Eagles (7-2), who have reached a state semifinal in each of the past three seasons, will look to avenge a 28-23 loss to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (7-1) in last year’s title game in Daytona.
“It’s exciting. Now we’re about to go have a great practice and hopefully go win a state championship,” said Butler following the ceremony.
“This is how you’re supposed to end your senior year,” said Troutman, a Miami area native who became a leader on defense as a sophomore. “I’m definitely sad to leave Edgewater after these four years because our coaches are great. They’ve taught me to be a better man.”
Hill invited a large contingent of family and mentors to join him at the signing table. He was recognized by Duke as being a competitor on the field and compassionate off it.
“It was important to have them by my side when I signed that paper,” Hill said. “It felt emotional. I wanted to cry, but I kept it in, and now it’s on to a new dream. It’s gonna be cool to play one more game with my teammates. It’s the last ride, and we’ll treasure this moment.”
Hill, Troutman and Leary all plan to enroll early in January.
“I woke up today feeling good,” Leary said with a smile. “I didn’t know if it was for the [state championship] game or for the signing. It’s all a blessing.”
Leary, a track and field standout lauded nationally for his speed, was credited by Duke for being a leader to younger players “since stepping foot on this campus.”
“You just never expect it to be you, but all the hard work really pays off,” Leary said. “I’ve known [Hill, Troutman and Butler] for a long time, and just to see what we’ve overcome is amazing. We’re going to have some fun Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.”
Edgewater’s senior class, which includes several other players expected to sign with colleges in February, enters the state championship game with a 41-9 record during the past four seasons.
“It’s been a special four years with these guys, not just on the field, but what they’ve done in the classroom and as far as being leaders at the school,” Duke said. “Today is a day of celebration.”
This article originally appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email J.C. Carnahan at jcarnahan@orlandosentinel.com.
