By Malcolm Butler
Ronald Findley, Semaj Jones and Logan Malone all signed their national letters of intent to play football on the collegiate level during Wednesday’s signing day event at the Ruston High School Auditorium.
Malone and Jones both signed to play with Louisiana Christian University while Findley will continue his career at Centenary College.
While sitting alongside their parents and in front of their friends, teammates and coaches, the trio participated in a day that they have all been dreaming about since their childhood.
“Ever since I was seven, I had a little football uniform that I used to wear every single day,” said Findley. “I would get it dirty. Now I’m going to be playing football on Saturday’s. I am one step closer to getting to where I ultimately want to be.
“Centenary decided to give me a shot, and I am happy to take it. I have been waiting for so long and God made a way for me. I am thankful for it.”
Findley played safety for the Bearcats this season, recording 41 total tackles and three tackles for loss. One of the highlights of his season was a interception return for a touchdown in the Bearcats win over Lafayette Christian.
“The main thing that sticks in my mind when talking about Ronald is perseverance and team,” said Ruston DC Kyle Williams. “Ronald was a wide receiver for most of the first three years of his career. We saw a need for safety coming into last year, and Ronald dove head first into it. He did everything we asked him to do. He immediately provided a physical presence for us.”
Findley was named second team All-District 2-5A this season. He said he will take a part of Ruston High with him as he heads to the next level this fall, citing what he learned as a Bearcat under head coach Jerrod Baugh and Co.
“That no matter how hard it gets, if it is really meant to be God will find a way,” said Findley. “It’s not going to be on our time. It’s going to be whenever. We didn’t win state last year, but we came back, worked hard and won state this year. You just have to be the best you can be. Don’t try to be somebody else.”
Jones was another standout in the Ruston secondary the past few seasons. He said his decision to head to Louisiana Christian was a family one.
“It’s a good decision,” said Jones. “My family and I talked about it. I have some friends coming with me. It’s a good deal for me and my family. I just want to keep it going with my family and friends.”
Jones recorded 23 tackles this season, while tying for the team lead with four interceptions and ranking second with seven pass break ups.
“I may not have been around a more competitive individual in my life,” said Williams of Jones. “He competed every day in practice and walk thru. If I look down the road 20 years from now and ask me about (Semaj) it will be the day he had tears in his eyes because he said he didn’t have a good day at practice. If anybody wants to know why Semaj has an opportunity to leave here and play college football, it’s because a commitment and dedication and a competitiveness that showed every single day.”
Jones was named first team all-District 2-5A and to the all-Lincoln Parish Journal team. He also credited his coaching staff and his time with the Bearcats for his opportunity to play in college.
“They did so much for me,” said Jones. “They helped me so much. They got me through a lot of stuff and put me in a place where I can go to college now and continue to play football.”
Malone will join Jones at Louisiana Christian after being the top receiving target for the Bearcats state title team.
“I went down there for a visit and talked to the coaches,” said Malone. “It was a business decision that I had to look at. When I made the decision it just felt right in my heart.”
Malone caught 18 passes for a team-high 370 yards and two scores this year, including five receptions for a career-high 112 yards in the state championship win over Zachary.
“I had the opportunity to coach Logan the past three years,” said Ruston OC Earl Griffin. “In our state championship game, Logan made a ton of plays for us in the second half that helped us win the state championship,” said Griffin. “Logan made plays for us throughout his career, but none bigger than in the state championship. LC is getting a great football player, but even a better young man. I am excited to see what he can do at the next level.”
Malone earned first team all-District 2-5A and all-Lincoln Parish Journal honors for his performance this season. He cited his growth the past few years and gave credit to the Bearcats program.
“The grit. The grit that they really push in this program,” said Malone. “Being firmly founded. That is something I will always take with me. I will always be a Bearcat. This is where it all started.”
