Barrett Maddox: 18 and counting
Clinton Dragons senior Barrett Maddox is not only killing it on the field, but off the field as well.
Maddox, a transfer from Central, will be playing in his second year for the Dragons this fall, and just received a letter acknowledging his membership in the National Society of High School Scholars. He is also listed on Rivals as a three-star offensive lineman at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds.
Maddox also has 18 Division I football offers, including five from programs in the Bowl-Championship series, and 13 in the Championship Series. The five FBS offers include: Marshall, Army, Charlotte, Akron and Miami of Ohio.
The FCS offers include: UT-Martin, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, Bryant, ETSU, Tennessee State, Austin Peay, North Alabama, Murray State, Richmond, Chattanooga, Southern Illinois, and Lehigh University.
When asked about how the recruiting process is going, Barrett said, “It’s been nothing but a blessing. It started last year, 2021, when I went to the Eastern Kentucky University camp and balled out and received my first offer. Now. I’m talking to a lot of Power 5 teams right now waiting and praying for the opportunity.”
He has visited Appalachian State, Louisville, Tennessee, Charlotte, Vanderbilt, Miami (Ohio), Akron, EKU, Arkansas, East Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Tech.
Maddox credits Clinton High School, and Coach Darell Keith, for supporting him and helping him through life.
“Coach Keith has taught me life lessons that I will forever remember and use. He has changed me as a man,” Maddox said.
When asked about the coming 2022 season, Barrett mentions the fact the Dragons have lost a few key starters from last year, but says the younger players are stepping up and proving their worth. “I’m excited to see what the offense can do this year,” he said. “We are looking faster and more explosive. Our defense is the same even though I ain’t a defensive athlete. My guys on the defensive line are making me better every day.”
Barrett says a key part of his collegiate decision will be not only the relationships he develops with the staff and players, but academics, too.
“When I visit the college, I want it to feel like home, and I want to feel like I can be successful at that college,” he said.
Time will tell what 2022 brings for Maddox and the rest of the Clinton Dragons.