- Kyler Ingram, the son of former Gator and current Hawthorne football coach Cornelius Ingram, was one of four Hawthorne football players to announce they will be playing collegiately.
- Ingram, Darian Bowie, Kamari Debose, and Delvis Eason recently became the latest Hornets to get an opportunity to play at the next level.
Kyler Ingram, the son of former Gator and current Hawthorne football coach Cornelius Ingram, was one of four Hawthorne football players to announce they will be playing collegiately.
Ingram, Darian Bowie, Kamari Debose, and Delvis Eason recently became the latest Hornets to get an opportunity to play at the next level.
“It’s a wonderful feeling as a coach,” said Hawthorne football coach Cornelius Ingram, who has won over 100 games and three state titles in 11 seasons at his alma mater. “Of course, as a dad having my son Kyler play for me, but even the other three guys. Darian is my nephew, Delvis is an unbelievable D-tackle who played on a torn meniscus all year and Kamari was one of those shutdown corners that we can leave on an island because we have a lot of confidence in him.”
The foursome, who will play for NCAA Division-II schools, helped lead the Hornets to their third state title in the last four years.
“Winning the state championship is probably the cherry on top,” Cornelius Ingram said. “These are great kids on and off the field, and I’m just happy they have their opportunity. They’ll go up to school and do everything they’re supposed to do. But I’m extremely proud.”
Kyler Ingram (6’, 230) will play at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia.
“Blessed to be committed to Concord University,” he said. “I chose this school because of the love and opportunity presented to me by the coaching staff.”
In his first year playing linebacker, he had 115 tackles in 12 games for an average of 9.6 tackles per game as a senior. He also had a scoop and score against Chiefland in the FHSAA Rural state semifinals.
“We had an unbelievable linebacker core years before with Leland Johnson and I think the year before that, Andrew Zock, those kinds of guys, so to wait your turn and have over 100 tackles…his film is phenomenal to watch,” Cornelius Ingram said. “It’s excellent film. You can see him cover, you can see him come downhill and tackle, interceptions, forced fumbles, just a dream come true for me to be able to coach my kid and see him grow as a ball player and as a young man. I’m so extremely happy for Ky.”
Bowie, who had a breakout season at wide receiver, will play at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, along with Eason.
“Choosing American International College was an easy decision because it gives me the opportunity to grow both as a student-athlete and as a person,” Bowie said. “I’m truly grateful for the chance to continue my football career while earning a quality education. This opportunity is a blessing, and I’m excited to represent AIC with pride, work hard every day, and make the most of everything that’s ahead.”
Cornelius Ingram said Bowie wasn’t really interested in playing football at an early age.
“He was into dinosaurs, so to see how he panned out as a football player says a lot about the time and the commitment he put into his craft,” he said. “There were a lot of times he would go back to the school, work on routes…so I wasn’t surprised by his success all year, and he came up big.”
Bowie (5’9, 175) narrowly missed a 1,000-yard season, finishing with 66 catches for 967 yards and nine touchdowns.
“Looking at his body, he’s not the prototype receiver, but when I tell you he has a mentality to make a play at any given time…so of course it’s been fun coaching Darian, knowing him my whole life,” Cornelius Ingram said. “I’m happy for him as well.”
Despite the torn meniscus injury, Eason (5’10, 270) still managed to record 22 tackles in 10 games. Eason (5’10, 270) still managed to record 22 tackles in 10 games.
“I’m incredibly honored and blessed to be committed and signed to play football at American International University,” Eason said. “I’m beyond grateful to God, my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me along this journey. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to get to work.”
According to Cornelius Ingram, the coaches would try and make Eason sit out, but he pushed through because it was his senior year. He waited until after the state championship game to get surgery.
“Maybe we would make him sit out of practice here and there just to make sure he’s healthy enough to play in the game, but he never ever wanted to miss practice,” he said. “And we had a schedule for him, but he’s a tough player. Of course, the entire team knew, and people close to the program knew, and for him to hold his gap down all year and play at a high level says a lot about the character of Delvis. I’m proud and happy for him because we’ve dealt with meniscus tears, and some of those guys would sit out or would get surgery right away.”
Debose (6’2, 170) will play for the Beavers at Bemidji State University in Minnesota.
“I picked my school because the coaches showed interest throughout my whole senior year,” he said. “I visited the campus and the coaches made me feel at home. It was an overall good opportunity.”
Cornelius Ingram called Debose (32 tackles, 5 passes defended) an “unbelievable” player.
“Fast, long corner, who could really run,” he said. “I think the year we lost in the state championship against Madison County, he had some unbelievable tackles…so you’re talking about a cover long corner who also loves to tackle. Of course, coaches love that. Great season. I had the opportunity to coach him for two years, and he was phenomenal all two years.”