by Jared Jensen
The Paducah Sun
February 8, 2024
Used with permission.
National Signing Day was a special on for one Paducah Tilghman football player. Senior Darionte Ragsdale made his commitment Wednesday afternoon, signing on the dotted line to continue his football and academic career at Georgetown College.
“I’m excited for Darionte to make it to the next level because he has spent the last three years showing me what it’s supposed to look like,” Paducah Tilghman head coach Sean Thompson said. “He’s been injured for most of that time but I wouldn’t know it because he put in the work every day. Georgetown doesn’t understand what kind of skill that they are getting because yes, obviously he is a great football player, but he’s going to make their program better and he’s going to give us something to be proud of.”
Ragsdale’s skills have been utilized all over the football field throughout his four years as a Blue Tornado. His underclassman years saw success on the offensive side of the ball with spurts of defensive prowess. His upperclassman years were mainly focused on defense where he forced fumbles, brought down opponents and snagged interceptions.
Most recently in his senior campaign, he forced and recovered a fumble, brought down 35 tackles, 18 solo and 17 assisted and hauled in three interceptions for 41 yards.
When signing their letter of intent, a lot of student athletes won’t admit that they are excited about anything but their respective sport. Darionte made note that his future degree was a big factor in choosing Georgetown.
“I really like Georgetown’s nursing program,” Ragsdale said. “I’ve looked at it pretty heavily and that’s what I want to do with life. Let’s say football doesn’t work out, Georgetown is the place to be.”
But of course, the fact that he will have a chance to suit up as a Tiger next year is just as exciting.
“Georgetown is really competitive,” Ragsdale said. “Tilghman is a different brand of football as many people know, so I feel ready to join everyone else that signed with them today.”
In their 2023 campaign, the Georgetown Tigers went 10-2 as heavy competitors in the Mid-South Conference.