Davis & Graham Sign Scholarships

Courtesy of VHS

Two Vidalia Indians inked their name to paper on Friday, signing to play at the next level. Senior Bryce Davis signed to attend and play football for Army at West Point, and senior Hughes Graham signed with East Georgia State, where he will play baseball. Classmates and family joined the two at Vidalia’s Auditorium.

Bryce Davis

Davis, the all-time passing leader at Vidalia (season and career), said Army made sense for him. “A few years ago, as I was looking at colleges that I wanted to attend, I wanted it to be somewhere that I had a choice to do what I wanted when I graduated. And looking at Army, it gives me that best choice and it sets me up for the future.”

The Region 2AA Offensive Player of the Year will join former teammate Tom Godbee at West Point and becomes just the 3rd Vidalia student (Alan Avery Class of 79) to attend West Point since 1970.

Davis, who had a combined 2,673 yards and accounted for 27 TD’s, was the 2020 Region Player of the Year, and Vidalia Head Coach Jason Cameron says that student-athletes like Davis only come along “every so often” in a coach’s career.

“It’s truly an honor to coach a Bryce Davis because guys like him don’t come along that often. So, when they do, you try and enjoy every minute of it. Bryce is the consummate player and teammate. He’s the guy who says, 'give me the ball,' and he will put the team on his shoulders and say, 'let’s go.' But Cameron goes on to say that Davis isn’t just about athletics. “As good as he is on the field – and he is very, very good – he’s a better individual. He works hard, never complains, and leads by example. He’s the kind of person you just want to be around, and people gravitate toward him.”

Bryan Davis, his father, stated, “We are very proud of him and all of the hard work that he has put in on the field and in the classroom. We are happy that he is getting this chance to get a world class education and to play football. He told me that he didn't just want to go anywhere, that he wanted to go somewhere that really interested him.”

Hughes Graham

Hughes Graham also signed a letter of intent on Friday and will head to East Georgia State to continue his baseball career. Graham, a Region 2AA All-Region 1st teamer and an Honorable Mention for AA All-State Honors last year, said that it means a lot for him to get to play at the next level. “It means a lot to know that I have been able to go day in and day out at every practice and work hard and accomplish my goals is very special. I chose East Georgia because it is close to home as well. It felt like the right place for me, and getting to play again with Landry is also special for me. I have to thank my family and all of the coaches that have pushed me over the years.” Graham, who has a career .337 batting average with 68 RBI’s and 7 Homeruns heading into his senior season, wasn’t sure that he would get the chance to play at the next level after suffering a severe leg injury playing football his sophomore year. “Having to deal with the adversity of the injury has made me appreciate my opportunities more, and to know where I have been and overcome it, means a lot.

Graham is a 4-year starter for Head Coach Brent Korn, who says that his toughness in life and at the plate make him valuable. “He has overcome a leg injury and arm surgery, and that shows his toughness and work ethic to get back from an injury to play and to also still get the opportunity to play in college. The best part about Hughes as a player is what he brings to the plate. He's a big time power who also doesn’t strike out much and drives in runs.”

(L to R, Front): Hall Graham (brother), Jennifer Graham (mother), Hughes Graham, Gray Graham (father); (Back): Coaches Ben Beck, Head Coach Brent Korn, and Rhett Carter.Photo by Mike Branch