Antomme Cowthorn makes it official and signs his letter of intent to continue his career at Bethel University. (Post Photos by Chris Siers)
While primarily expected to be a defensive back at the next level, he was a key component out of the Marshall County backfield during his senior season. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
From an early age, Antomme Cowthorn always wanted to play football. As the years progressed through his high school career, it became apparent he had the ability to play at the next level.
Earlier this spring, joining teammate Silas Teat, Cowthorn made it a reality and signed his letter of intent to continue his football career at Bethel University.
“I was nervous at first, just because I had to get in front of everybody and talk. I’m very excited for the future and I’m very excited to be part of a great program at Bethel,” Cowthorn said.
Throughout his high school career, he logged a ton of snaps, seeing time out of the backfield and on the defensive side of the ball.
While effective in the high-octane Tiger offense, Cowthorn found his true niche in the defensive secondary.
“He started some games as a freshman. Antomme would have said he was probably a running back or receiver when he first got here—and he had some really good moments at that over the last three or four years. But he found his calling as a DB,” Marshall County coach Thomas Osteen said.
“More than likely, I’ll go on defense because most of my film is on defense. I play corner, safety, rover, linebacker spots and all that type of spots. I don’t know the certain position, but it will be on defense,” Cowthorn added.
Hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps and play at the collegiate level, Cowthorn has been immersed in the game since he was five.
Coupled with the flash and dazzle of his favorite college program, he’s been in love with the game for as long as he can remember.
“My dad played at Tennessee Tech and I’ve been playing since I was five. And I’m a huge Oregon Ducks fan. I saw them (Oregon) playing, the cool uniforms and playing fast and fell in love with the game,” he said.
When it came time to look at schools in the recruitment process, Bethel stood out from the crowd early on.
“I was looking at other schools, but Bethel just stuck out to me. I feel like they have something great coming in the 2024 class. I feel like we’re going to be great,” he said.
Based off the accomplishments during his high school career, Osteen feels Cowthorn can immediately contribute for the Wildcats’ secondary.
“There’s no doubt Antomme is a DB at the next level. He’s played a ton of football for us.Very few freshman have started for us over the years,” he said.
“I think he could play safety, corner or nickel at the next level. They’re wanting guys who can not just cover, but can come down to the box and hit. He led our team with over 120 tackles. No doubt, Bethel is getting a DB that I think can compete Day 1 in the secondary.”
Cowthorn plans to pursue a degree in engineering and a path into graphic design.
