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Drew Potts has been a consistent force for the Jefferson County baseball team during his high school career. Now, he’ll have the chance to do that at the collegiate level.

Last week in front of friends and family, Potts announced he would be continuing his academic and baseball careers at Motlow State Community College.

“It’s big and exciting,” Potts said on playing college baseball. “It’s been a long journey and difficult at times, especially with COVID and everyone getting their fifth and sixth years. But, it’s exciting and I am glad that it happened.”

When it came to Motlow State, Potts went up for a workout in February not really knowing what to expect. However, when he got there he was impressed by just about everything he saw.

“Back in February, I went up there for a workout,” Potts said. “At first, I didn’t know where it was or what to expect but when I got up there the campus was really nice. I liked the coaches and the field was really nice. I liked everything.”

Another selling factor to Potts is the ability to improve over the next two years at Motlow before going off to another program.

“I feel like that’s big for me because I feel like I can still get better,” Potts said. “Being at a JUCO, I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me to go work on those things and then be able to go somewhere else after.”

If not for COVID taking away his freshman season, Potts would have been a four-year starter at Jefferson County. However, during his three years, Potts has been a leader for head coach Zach Reese’s teams and someone that he can trust day in and day out.

“He’s a rock and does what he’s supposed to do and puts the work in,” Reese said. “He doesn’t complain and is a good baseball player. I never have to worry off the field about him. Without COVID, he’s a four-year everyday guy. That’s a testament to him and his work ethic and ability. He’s someone I could trust.”

For Reese, Potts is another on a long list of kids he has coached that have gone on to the next level.

“It’s what you do it for to see a kid have a dream of playing college baseball and fulfill that,” Reese said. “We’re here to win, but that’s what it’s about. Happy for him and just an awesome day for him and his family. I think it’s a good spot for him.”

Potts still has a few games left in his senior season before heading to the summer. During that time, he wants to work on bulking up before heading off to Motlow.

“For me, it’s the physical aspect of it,” Potts said. “I just need to work on getting bigger and stronger. I’m just excited to get up there.”