Four Jamaican athletes have been awarded full scholarships to Sul Ross State University in Texas following their standout performances at the NTFA Gridiron Football Showcase, held at the UWI Mona Bowl on June 26, 2025. Tyrece “Tank” Thompson, Sheldon Clarke, Nejhaun “Fridge” Johnson, and Dantae Bennett were among 35 top prospects evaluated at the showcase and are now set to begin their collegiate football journeys in the U.S.
Thompson expressed his excitement about this life-changing opportunity: “Like the great Muhammad Ali said, I’m going to show you how great I am,” he said.
Clarke, meanwhile, reflected on the importance of staying focused in the present moment:
“The past is a memory and the future doesn’t exist. Live now in the present,” he said.
Johnson, whose performance caught the attention of scouts, shared how the sport has shaped his future:
“Gridiron football gave me a purpose; this scholarship gave me a path,” he said.
Bennett, who had previously been offered a scholarship by Johnson C. Smith University, was thrilled to confirm his full scholarship to Sul Ross State.
In addition to the scholarship recipients, other athletes are being considered for opportunities at Sul Ross State University. Kyano Carter of May Day High, Daniel Thompson of Munro College, and Kemar Bucknor of Munro College have all impressed the coaches and are under review for potential scholarships. Conditional offers have also been extended to some underclassmen, contingent on their academic eligibility and NCAA Clearinghouse approval.
The NTFA Gridiron Showcase, in collaboration with Sul Ross State University, was led by Coach Lee Hays (SRSU) and Todd Hays (Jamaica Bobsled Federation). The event tested the athletes' speed, agility, and position-specific skills, with evaluations on both offensive and defensive play.
Coach Lee Hays shared his enthusiasm about the event. “I was extremely excited about the opportunity to come to Jamaica and evaluate these athletes—not just as players, but as people. The results were better than I could have hoped!” he said.
With the new NCAA revenue-sharing model set to take effect in the 2025-26 academic year, athletes stand to benefit from dual income streams, including institutional revenue sharing and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, which will allow for additional earning potential. Athletes could earn anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000+ annually, depending on their career trajectory.
The NTFA is also focused on providing financial literacy programs through partnerships, helping athletes navigate the financial opportunities available through NIL deals, sponsorships, and other professional pathways, such as the NFL-IPP and CFL.
Looking to the future, the NTFA is actively scouting high schools across Jamaica for integration into upcoming gridiron competitions. The association aims to foster youth development through structured programs while emphasizing the importance of academic-athletic balance to prepare students for collegiate and professional opportunities.
NTFA executives Bryan Wilson, Steve Hudson, and founder Jerome Harriott have expressed their excitement about the growing success of these initiatives and are planning to bring more NCAA coaches and corporate sponsors to future events.
“Jamaica has dominated track & field—now we’re conquering gridiron football. The NTFA is creating jobs, scholarships, and global opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Brad Nelson, a former coach at Catholic High Baton Rouge, added:
“These Jamaican athletes have the talent to compete with anyone. The world needs to take notice,” he said.
The NTFA's vision of transforming football in Jamaica is quickly becoming a reality, offering valuable opportunities for the next generation of athletes.