Another DeKalb County Tiger football player will be continuing his career at the college level, signing with the Cumberland University Phoenix in Lebanon. DCHS’s number 55, Wil Farris, was on hand at a signing ceremony last Monday where he signed a letter of intent for Cumberland.
Farris was joined by his coaches, fellow players, and family for the event where his high school coach gave him high praise.
“He had a couple of different opportunities to continue to play, and at the end of the day he decided to go to Cumberland to play for the Phoenix,” explained DCHS Tigers Head Coach Steve Trapp.
“We already have a couple of guys down there. They were a team that got onto him pretty early and came down to see him last summer and spring. They’ve kept tabs with him, and he seemed to enjoy the vibe that they gave off,” Trapp continued.
Coach Trapp said that Cumberland is getting a great player, that has worked hard for DeKalb from the beginning. “For us [Tigers] he has been a four-year starter. He’s played defensive end for us, and he’s played left tackle for us. In his four years with us, he’s been an All-Region player every year, and has been a defensive player of the year recipient, as well as an offensive player of the year recipient. He won multiple awards at our banquet also. He’s won some kind of award every single year he’s played for us. He has been a decorated player and a good player for us, and we feel Cumberland is getting a quality young man and a quality ball player as well.”
Coach Trapp said that Farris is joining a long line of Tigers moving on to Cumberland. “I don’t know how many years in a row that we’ve had at least one guy go play for Cumberland. We have a couple of others that have a shot this year. We’ll see how that comes to fruition.”
“We’re happy and proud of them as individuals getting to do that, but also how they’re representing DeKalb County football. Hopefully we’re helping these guys for that next level. It’s definitely a step up as far as what they’re going to have to do and work at, but I think the things we do in our program gives them a step in the right direction to go be a collegiate football player.”
When asked why he chose Cumberland, Farris said the school just seemed to fit. “I just felt like it was the right place for me. I visited them back in the spring and again in the fall, and I just really liked it. I fell in love with the campus, and the coaches are great too. I just really excited for this next chapter.”
Farris said he will be playing defensive lineman for the Pheonix, and plans on studying criminal justice with an eye on a career in law enforcement.
He later reflected on his time playing for the Tigers, saying, “It’s meant a lot to me. Everything I’ve learned from the coaches and players, the memories, it’s been great. I played four years here [DCHS] and I’ve played offensive line and defensive line, left tackle, and defensive end. I’m just honored and blessed to have this opportunity.”
The Cumberland Phoenix football team represents Cumberland University in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Mid-South Conference. The Phoenix formerly competed in the TranSouth Athletic Conference and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In 2016, the team changed its name from Bulldogs to the Phoenix.
