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Blake Overton was a consistent player for the Jefferson County football program the past four years. He now has the opportunity to be that same player at the collegiate level.

On Wednesday, Overton signed to continue his academic and football careers at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN.

“It means a lot,” Overton said about signing. “I have played football my whole life, so it feels nice that I am going to the next level and looking to get better and keep progressing in my game.”

When it came time to make a decision on where he wanted to go next, Overton was down to three schools. However, it was Cumberland, who started recruiting Overton his junior year, that really stood out to him and made his decision an easy one.

“Really, it was the coaches and the hospitality there,” Overton said. “The campus is amazing, as well. I really love the place there and could really see myself playing there and have fun there.”

When Overton gets to Cumberland, he will be playing on the defensive side of the ball either at corner or safety.

In terms of Overton’s high school career, it’s been a successful one. Overton found playing time for the Patriots early and often during his career, always being someone that Jeff County coach Spencer Riley could rely on.

Overton’s high school career ended with some satisfaction, as well. After the Patriots struggled during his freshman and sophomore seasons, Overton was part of a senior class that made the playoffs the past two seasons and helped put Jeff County football back on the map.

“It feels good knowing that we are leaving it in a better place,” Overton said. “Freshman and sophomore year, we weren’t as good as team chemistry wise. We weren’t really a family, but now we really are family. It felt good winning games, but I feel like having it be a better family setting now is the big thing.”

While he had been solid his entire high school career, Overton’s senior season was a breakout for him. Primarily playing defense, Overton led the team with six interceptions and made 40 tackles.

Overton also caught 16 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball.

“I felt like I just read the quarterback better this year,” Overton said about his defensive improvement. “They just threw it at me more this year, and I went up and got it. I honestly feel like I could have had more interceptions this year. There’s always room for improvement.”

Riley also noticed the improvement from Overton during his senior season, saying he went from being a good high school football player to one that could play at the next level.

“He had to work to get there, and it’s great to see him put in that effort and work every single day he was here,” Riley said. “He never complained and just went out there and did his job. He got better each and every day he stepped out here.”

Following signing day, the next level awaits for Overton. He said that he wants to get stronger and faster before he gets to college, looking to get his 40-time down to a 4.5 or 4.4.

However, Overton still has a month or so left of his senior year to enjoy at Jefferson County, a place that he will always remember as being a family.

“I’m going to miss how it’s a family here,” Overton said. “Everybody loves everybody. The coaches are so nice, and I love the fans on Friday nights. I love everything about Jefferson County.”