With his final year of high school football quickly approaching, Elizabethton offensive lineman Garrett Jennings wanted to go ahead and make it known where he is going to suit up after his high school.

Jennings verbally committed to join head coach Mike Sanford and offensive line coach TJ Woods as a member of the NCAA Division 1 Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers in Bowling Green, Kentucky on a full scholarship.

“Everyone is really nice, and they make you feel like family,” said Jennings on his decision. “The coaching staff is really nice, and I think that I can learn a lot from them.”

Jennings said it was important to him to go ahead and get the decision out of the way as he heads into his senior campaign.

“I just felt like going into my senior season that if God-forbid I get hurt, that I would still have this to fall back on,” said Jennings. “They like my size and my ability to stay low for being so tall. They also saw that I was quick and agile.”

Jennings started out as a tight end in his early playing days for Cyclone head coach Shawn Witten but was moved to the tackle position about mid-way through his sophomore season.

The move definitely paid off for Jennings (6’7, 317) who can now concentrate on helping his team fight toward a state playoff appearance.

“We have worked hard since we were freshmen, and I would love to have one state championship,” Jennings added to what he would like to achieve in his final year. “We are clicking and have each other’s back and can count on each other.”

Jennings said he owed a lot of his success to being a Cyclone and playing under the tutelage of Witten as well as offensive line coach Jeff Pierce.

“Coach Witten has taught me about being a leader and the importance of working hard in the weight room,” stated Jennings. “He and Coach Pierce have taught me what it takes to play at the next level as well as being ready for the upcoming season.

“They have taught me how to move my feet correctly and the right way to block.”

First things first for Jennings now, however, as the senior is looking to be a key cog in another successful Cyclone season while working to put on a little more mass in preparation for his collegiate career.