Trojans senior left tackle Judd Harmon has had to endure more than any teenager should, but he persevered to author a tremendous career at West Marion, which culminated in him signing a letter of intent on National Signing Day Feb. 4 with Jones College.
Following the first game of his junior season, Harmon’s mom, Kelli, died of breast cancer, a loss that not only permeated throughout the team but the entire community. Rather than be consumed by grief, Harmon dedicated his playing career to his mom and became a star anchoring West Marion’s offensive line.
“I played for her every game. It’s really important to me,” Harmon said of signing with Jones.
Harmon’s dad, Todd, is an assistant coach with the Trojans, and together they set a goal of the 6-foot-2, 260-pound protector making it to the next level despite him playing through heartbreak and multiple injuries.
“It was all me and my dad talked about — not necessarily comparing myself to people. We knew if they can get a shot, I definitely can,” Harmon said. “And Jones took that shot on me.”
Harmon will be joined by his teammate, Eli Smith, at Jones, and the duo was able to enjoy a joint signing ceremony in West Marion’s library. Harmon said Smith’s shared presence at Jones as well as familial connections made the Ellisville college the perfect fit.
“Definitely Eli being there helped it out, then my dad went there and my grandmother cheered there,” Harmon said.
“A lot of hard work went into these kids’ careers, so it’s a special day,” Trojans head coach Mason Woodrow said about Harmon and Smith signing. “We’re all really happy for them. They have put a lot into our program, and I’m deeply thankful to both of them for all of their hard work. I won a lot of football games with them, but they’re really, really good kids too. We know they’re going to represent us well after they go off to college.”
Harmon thanked his family and Jesus Christ for supporting and blessing him with the opportunity to play college football. He said he intends to keep grinding, earn a starting job with the Bobcats and play well enough to earn an opportunity to play at four-year college upon his arrival at Jones.
