ASHBURN — Orange and blue cover the walls at Turner County Middle/High, but part of the media center decked out in black and gold Friday.

The change in colors was in tribute to Devascea Blanks, who joined a long list of Turner County football signees that afternoon by signing with Lamar Sports Academy, based out of Jacksonville, Fla.

Ben Simmons, Blanks’ head coach in high school — Simmons recently accepted the head football post at neighboring Worth County — called it a “very special occasion.”

Simmons thanked athletic and academic personnel at Turner for helping with the signing before turning his attention to Blanks, whom he described as being the “true meaning of a team player” and a valuable part of both the offense and defense.

Blanks played tight end and defensive end and was also a member of Turner’s special teams.

Blanks initially wept as he spoke to the crowd.

He said he thanked God “for giving me this opportunity to pursue my dreams and education” and “for not giving up on me.”

Looking at his teammates in the media center, Blanks said, “I love y’all, man.”

The day was doubly special for Blanks: his birthday was Friday and Simmons led the crowd in singing to him.

Simmons told Blanks that he was grateful to have the opportunity to coach at Turner.

“It’s been a special honor to work with these young men,” said Simmons.

After the signing, Blanks said he was blessed to have Simmons as his coach.

Lamar Sports Academy is a newcomer to football and is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Union.

Simmons, who formerly coached at Raines High in Jacksonville, said he had connections to those involved with the team. Blanks said he was contacted by Lamar about three weeks ago.

Blanks said his goal was to ultimately play for a four-year school. He will also attempt to play basketball at Lamar. Turner’s MaxPreps page lists Blanks as averaging 5.5 points and seven rebounds per game during his senior year.