Devontae Mozee will be recognized as the male Athlete of the Year at Jonesboro-Hodge High School at the Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame banquet that will take place on October 1st at the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. It was an easy choice.
Very seldom has an athlete excelled in so many endeavors or been so recognized for his performances on the football field, basketball court or in track and field. The list of individual district, regional and state awards Mozee received in his senior year is staggering but that only represents what he acheived by his athletic ability.
What many don’t know is impact Mozee had on the JHHS sports program through his display of character and role as a team leader. Atheltic Director Terrance Blankenship is certainly one who recognizes what Mozee brought, not only as a player, but as a teammate and person in general.
“Devontae will be missed for sure,” reflected Blankenship. “He was a leader on the field and in the lockerroom as well.”
One example of his leadership abilities that stands out came during the JHHS vs Mangham, second round Class AA state football playoffs. The Tigers had received what was obviously a horrible call that came during a crucial point in the game. Chaos threatened to rule with the coaching staff harping at the officials and the players showing extreme displeasure with acts of throwing their helmets to the ground. Trotting off the field, Mozee gestured to his teammates to gather around, demanding that they let the call go and refocus on the task at hand. JHHS went on to win the game going away on their way to their state semi-final berth.
“He played a big role in getting us back on track that game,” recalled Blankenship.
Mozee’s standout senior season campaign began on the football field where he made a major impact in virtually every phase of the game. On offense he parlayed 33 catches into a new single season record 876 yards and 17 touchdowns. The result was a 1st team 1-2A All District selection and second team Class AA All-State choice at wide receiver.
His two fumble recoveries and six interceptions, of which he returned four for a touchdown earned him he earned the same awards as a defensive back. Among the interceptions was one of the most impressive game changing plays in Tiger history. With JHHS trailing at North Caddo, Mozee stepped in front of a pass at the goal line and returned it 99 yards for a score that propelled the Tigers to victory and a share of the district championship. The Louisiana Tech signee was also chosen as the first team All-District kick returner and second team punter. Additional accolades received was being named Impact Player of the Week and Beast of the Week as well as being selected to participate in the North LA I-20 Classic and Gridiron Football Classic All-Star Games.
In track and field Mozee garnered over 20 medals this past spring, including coming in second in the Class AA state track meet in the high jump, triple jump and 300 meter high hurdles. Mozee also claimed district championships in the high jump, triple jump, long jump and came in second in the 300M hurdles while claiming a gold medal in the high jump, silver in the 300M hurdles and bronze in the triple jump in regional competition. As a starter on the Tigers basketball team, Mozee averaged 10 points per game.
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