For Greene County High School senior Ronald Blair, Feb. 2 was not like any other day he had ever experienced before. The 6 foot 3, 245-pound defensive end was filled with happiness and enthusiasm as he stood before his parents, coaches and fellow teammates and signed his letter of intent, officially confirming his commitment to play football at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.

“I am eager to begin my journey as a Mountaineer this summer,” said Blair. “I am looking forward to continuing my success in the sport I love, and grow as a person and football player.”

Standing by his side, his mother, Jennifer Goss commended her son on his accomplishment.

“I am very excited about Ronald signing with Appalachian State,” Goss said. “The academic program caught my attention first off, because of the low student-teacher ratio and their sustainable energy program showcasing their concern for the environment. Yet, Ronald knew the decision was ultimately his in the end. I think he showed a lot of maturity in rating the pros and cons of the different schools in order to find a fit for him. I am a very proud mom.”

Blair played football throughout middle and high school. Playing offensive tackle and defensive end, Ronald has helped his team win numerous Region games.   

Blair embodies everything we are looking for in a football player at Greene County High School,” said Charles Winslette, GCHS Head Football Coach. “Ronald has superb grades in a challenging AP and College Prep curriculum; he has been an outstanding football player, making 1st Team AA All-State as a senior. Ronald has also never missed a practice and has the toughness required to play through an injury, which he has done several times, and has been a leader by example as a junior and senior for our program. Most importantly, in all of his high school years, he has never been in any trouble at school and has truly been a joy to coach.”

Appalachian State University Assistant Football Coach Scot Sloan is welcoming the chance to coach the future freshman.

“We are excited that Ronald has chosen Appalachian State University as his collegiate choice to further his football and academic careers,” Sloan said.  “We obviously feel that Ronald has a great future ahead of him at Appalachian State.  Ronald has benefitted by playing in a fine high school football program at Greene County for one of the winningest and most respected coaches in the history of Georgia High School football in Coach Winslette.  This coaching from his high school staff will serve Ronald well in his time as an Appalachian State Mountaineer, because he has been taught the fundamentals well.”

Blair plans to major in sports medicine while attending Appalachian State.