Seven Bengals ink college plans

Desmond Boatwright, Malachi Brooks, Myles Cotten, Lakin Green, Curtis Hilton, Jr., Connor Jackson, and Randy Kelly, seated, with Blythewood High School principal Matt Sherman and Athletic Director Barry Mizzell | Contributed

BLYTHEWOOD – Blythewood High School recognized seven members of the Class of 2022 Wednesday who have committed to continuing their athletic careers on the collegiate level. The group included three football players, two soccer players, and two track and field athletes.

Desmond Boatwright, son of Desmond and Joyce Boatwright, announced his commitment to play football at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Boatwright, a running back for head coach Jason Seidel, was a two year starter for the Bengals and led the Bengal offense his senior season. Boatwright was the team’s Offensive Player of the Year and honored as an All-Region and All-State selection.

Malachi Brooks, son of Gregory and Taineshia Brooks, announced his commitment to run cross country and track for the Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Brooks is a cross country runner for head coach Will Epps in the fall and a distance runner for the track head coach Jason Warren in the spring. Brooks has earned various varsity letters throughout his running career at Blythewood High School.

Myles Cotten, son of Wil and Lisa Cotten, announced his commitment to continue his football career at Lenior-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. Cotten, a linebacker for head coach Jason Seidel, twice earned All-Region honors while playing for the Bengals. Cotten, an All-State selection his senior season, will graduate as the all-time tackles leader in Blythewood’s history.

Lakin Green, daughter of Jennifer Green, announced her commitment to continue her soccer career at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Green, a forward for soccer head coach Kathy Knight at Blythewood, is also the starting point guard for the Lady Bengal basketball team. Green is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and plays competitive soccer on the SCUFC Club Challenge team.

Curtis Hilton, Jr., son of Curtis Hilton, Sr. and Deitre Hilton, announced his commitment to play football at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Hilton played a variety of positions for head coach Jason Seidel, earning the team’s “Swiss Army Knife” award for his many contributions to the team. Hil- ton earned All-Region honors as a senior and is also a member of the Blythewood Track team.

Connor Jackson, son of Carl and Kimeka Jackson, announced his commitment to play soccer for Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jackson, a midfielder for head coach Robby Setzler, is a four-year letter winner at Blythewood High School. Jackson was named an All-Region selection in 2021 and has extensive experience with club soccer programs around the state.

Randy Kelly, son of Randy and Rickell Kelly, announced his commitment to continue his track career at North- western State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Kelly is a high jumper for coaches Jason Warren and Steve Inabinet. Kelly won the 5A State Championship in the high jump with a jump of 6’10”. Kelly earned All-American, All-State, and All-Region honors in 2021. Kelly, a Junior Olympic Champion, is also a starting forward for the Blythewood Basketball team.

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