JARIUS WYNN Jarius Wynn, a 2005 graduate of LCHS, was recently awarded a scholarship to play football for the University of Georgia.

The former Red Devil is the son of Jesse Wynn and Barbara Ann and Curtis Patterson, all of Lincolnton, and the grandson of Tiny and Prince Albert Wright of Rayle and John Aaron Wynn of Lincolnton.

The new Bulldog celebrated his "signing" at the Lincolnton Clubhouse with special guests Mark Richt, head football coach at UGA; Rodney Gardner, recruiting coordinator for Georgia; Bert Williams, head football coach at GMC; Larry Campbell, head football coach at LCHS; and Howard Ellis and Kevin Banks, assistant coaches at LCHS.

Wynn made his decision to sign with Georgia in late December after being vigorously recruited by South Carolina, Tennessee, Auburn, Kentucky, Miami, LSU, Alabama, and Oklahoma State.

Prior to signing with Georgia, the defensive end attended GMC on a football scholarship. In 2006, he earned second team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American honors and was a key contributor to the nation's third-ranked NJCAA defense.

He was also voted team captain and named the defensive MVP.

During his two seasons at GMC, Wynn amassed a total of 54 tackles, including a team-leading eight tackles for a loss; 13 sacks; four forced fumbles; and one interception for a touchdown.

Wynn also excelled on the gridiron as a Red Devil, leading the team in individual tackles as a senior and earning "Best Defensive Lineman" honors in both 2003 and 2004.

He was likewise named to The Atlanta Journal Constitution's All- State First Team twice.

On high school signing day in February of 2005, Wynn was quoted as saying, "I'm grateful to God for letting me play at the next level. I hope I succeed."

With a great deal of raw talent, hard work, and God's help, he has succeeded.

At 6'5" 275 pounds, Wynn is expected to replace defensive end Charles Johnson, who has decided to enter the NFLdraft.

It has been noted that Wynn and Johnson, who was a Charlton County standout, have some things in common. They played against one another for the 2003 Georgia High School Association state championship, and now, they will share the same jersey number (#99) and position during their careers at UGA.