Springfield Central athletes sign National Letters of Intent to play college ball

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - It was a big day at Springfield Central High School where six student-athletes signed their National Letters of Intent to play Division I college football.

Springfield Central Principal Tad Tokarz called Wednesday one of the greatest days in the history of Central.

A half-dozen Central football players all announced their verbal commitment to continue playing football in college, and then on Wednesday afternoon, on National Signing Day, they all signed their National Letters of Intent, which are binding agreements between student-athletes and universities.

The student-athletes were:

• Jayden Bass: Syracuse University
• Bryce Gentry-Warrick: Merrimack College
• Josiah Griffin: Boston College
• Kevin Jackson: University of Maine
• Ahmari Owens: Columbia University
• Pop Watson III: Virginia Tech

Western Mass News caught up with two of the stars of the show after the big event.

“Today means a lot,” Jayden Bass told us. “Family, friends, coaches, everybody that helped me get to where I’m at right now. It means a lot to put on for the 413, for the city, and for the young bucks to come up and do the same thing we’re doing.”

“It’s just a great feeling,” Josiah Griffin added. “We’re all successful and moving on. I hope God can bless us in many ways, in ways we can’t even imagine, and keep us on the right path.”

These student-athletes helped bring Springfield Central to new heights on the football field, including two state titles in 2019 and 2021 and a third state championship appearance this season.

Now, they will prepare for the next chapter of their lives and receive a full ride to school while continuing to play the game they love.

Congratulations to all the student-athletes and their families.

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