Monday, August 13, 2012

PHILIPPI, W.Va. -- Wide receiver Jamaine Sherman is looking to make a name for himself as a member of the Alderson-Broaddus football team.

Sherman is a rare upperclassman on a young football team and will have one year of eligibility following the team’s club season.

A native of Ft. Pierce, Fla., Sherman is chasing the dream of playing professionally, but recognizes that his education comes first.

“Education is a major priority,” said Sherman. “At A-B I have four semesters to finish my degree instead of two at another college.”

Sherman received looks from other colleges including Alabama, USC and Oklahoma State before deciding to transfer from Scottsdale Community College to Abilene Christian University, a powerhouse in the ranks of DII football.

He was being compared to another Wildcat upon his arrival to the Abilene, Texas, campus.

“I was a day one starter (at Abilene Christian) and getting major comparisons to Edmond Gates,” said Sherman.

Gates accomplished Sherman’s dream by earning a fourth round selection via the Miami Dolphins in the 2011 National Football League Draft.

Sherman’s time at ACU was cut short as an abdominal strain shortened his junior season to just eight games. Now with a chance to play a pair of seasons at A-B and blazing speed (his 40 was clocked at 4.32 during a junior college combine at the University of Southern California) he brings his talents to Philippi, W.Va.

“I think of my mom,” explained Sherman. “She is my drive and I am going to keep grinding until I get there and succeed.”

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