Ooltewah's Cadarius Montgomery to play football at Bethel University

Arkansas-SEMO Live Blog

Ooltewah defensive back and kick returner Cadarius Montgomery signed football scholarship papers Thursday with NAIA member Bethel University.

Montgomery, who came to the Owls in time for spring practice as a junior after transferring from Brainerd, visited the campus in McKenzie, Tenn., shortly after last football season.

"I like it because it's kind of quiet and I can stay focused on my work, play ball and be myself," Montgomery said.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Montgomery was in on 36 tackles last season and returned two of his five interceptions for touchdowns. He also had a punt-return TD. He also runs track for the Owls as a member of the 400 relay team.

"He was our best cover corner," Ooltewah assistant coach Drew Akins said. "He's a dynamic athlete. He runs a legit 4.4, 4.5 [40-yard dash], and he's really a hard worker. When he came over from Brainerd he was one of our quieter kids. He just came in and played ball and did that very well."

Montgomery said he plans to major in sports management.

Hall joining Bobcats

Silverdale Baptist Academy's John Hall signed enrollment papers Friday to continue his basketball career at NJCAA member Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

Bobcats coach David Stephenson is a former boys' basketball coach at Silverdale.

"I really didn't want to travel far for college," Hall said. "I was debating about if wanted to keep playing. I had a meeting with Coach Stephenson and he told me all about their game plan. It sounded interesting enough; I thought about it and went and visited. I liked it there."

Though a little more than 6-foot, Hall played inside defensively for the Seahawks, but he also played some offensively on the perimeter and helped with the ball-handling. He averaged close to 15 points and 10 rebounds and helped Silverdale advance to the Region 3-A tournament last season.

"[Stephenson] told me, 'I'd like you to play the 3 slot," Hall said. "I told him, 'I'll do whatever, and I'll work hard.'"

Hall said he will likely concentrate on general studies at GNTC, then major in physical education after transferring to a four-year school.

Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/KelleySmiddie.

Upcoming Events