CHULA — Spence Massey’s football career will continue.

The Tiftarea Academy senior, one of the best all-around athletes in the history of the school, signed with Georgia Tech Thursday morning during a ceremony held at the school.

“It’s a great day,” said Tiftarea head football coach Erik Soliday. “A great thing to see this young man get this opportunity.”

Massey was a four-year starter for the Panthers. Originally the squad’s quarterback, most of his offense came as a running back. Defensively, he played safety.

Soliday took over the reins of the Panthers in 2018. “It didn’t take me long to realize he was special,” he said. Soliday bemoaned he would only coach Massey for one season. Massey worked extremely hard, he said.

“I’m very excited for him,” said Soliday.

Massey’s speech was short.

“I thank God and my family,” he said. “I thank my coaches for pushing me.”

Massey was named All-State three times in his four seasons. Playing for coaches Tully Payne and Soliday, he scored more than 60 touchdowns, rushing, receiving or defensively. His single game high as a rusher was 385 yards, set against Westfield in 2017. He also threw for five touchdowns.

Among Massey’s career highlights on the football field were a game-clinching interception for a touchdown against Creekside Christian in 2017, a game where he was responsible for all four touchdowns in the 28-16 victory. He had two games of five or more touchdowns, both against Westfield. In the second Westfield contest, he was so dominant, Payne lost track of how many times Massey scored.

Tiftarea made the state playoffs three times during his four seasons, but the Panthers’ finest season was in 2018. Tiftarea completed its first ever undefeated regular season, won the GISA Region 3-AAA championships and advanced to the state final four. Massey listed the region title as his best memory.

As a senior, he ran for 1,360 yards, with a high of 219 against Creekside Christian. Massey ran for 17 touchdowns and caught three more. He snagged two interceptions and had three tackles for losses.

Before Massey signed on the dotted line, his father, Robert, thanked everyone in attendance.

“All of you played a big role,” he said, in Spence’s development.

In addition to his football achievements, Spence Massey excelled in both basketball and track.

A four-year starter on the hardwood, Massey scored 750 points. His career high was 26 points against Georgia Christian in 2016. He led the squad in scoring as a sophomore. Massey was a three-time all-region pick in that sport.

On the track, Massey placed in the state finals three different years as a member of TIftarea relay teams.

Massey will join a Georgia Tech squad that finished 7-6 in 2018. Longtime head coach Paul Johnson retired following the season and the Yellow Jackets hired Temple head coach Geoff Collins to replace him.

Massey said he has not decided on a major yet, but is leaning towards a business degree.