On March 21, a reception was held on the senior patio to recognize four Vestavia Hills High School football seniors and their plans following graduation. All four seniors were selected as team captains by the members of Rebel Football team and were three-year starters for the Rebels.
The four senior players and the universities they plan to attend are Michael Vice, Samford University; Cooper Bishop, University of Alabama; Hunter Salmon, University of Tennessee; and Douglas Thompson, Troy University.
Coach Buddy Anderson opened the ceremony thanking each senior for their leadership and hard work over the last three years, stating, “these young men made our team better because of their ability to lead, and will make there future college team and players better because of what they stand for, and these boys will make us all proud.”
In attendance at the event were members of the varsity football and basketball teams, as well as family and friends.
Vice signed with Samford in December and will play tight end. He served the Rebels at tight end, playing defensive end/tackle.
In addition, Vice played in the Alabama/Mississippi All Star game and was selected first team USA Today All-Alabama, first team All- Metro South and selected to be on the All-OTM team. He also lettered in Varsity Basketball.
Bishop received a Preferred Walk-On offer from the University of Alabama in January as a running back. He started at linebacker as a VHHS sophomore and junior, and then moved to tailback his senior year. He was selected All-State in 2017 as a linebacker and All-State 2018 at running back. Bishop was also selected by AHSAA to participate in the North-South All Star game and was first team All-Metro South. He also lettered in Varsity Baseball.
Salmon received a Preferred Walk-On from the University University of Tennessee and will play defensive end.
A three-year starter at defensive end, Salmon played tight senior year. He also lettered in basketball and baseball. He was selected second team All-South Metro Football team, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and co-president of FCA. In addition, he received the Thompson Reynolds Scholar award in football.
Thompson received a Preferred Walk-On to Troy University in February to play offensive line. He anchored the Rebel offense line and started at center and guard for three years.
In addition, Thompson was voted second Team All-Metro and All Birmingham Team. He was also co-president of FCA, co-chair of Rise, a two-time state qualifier as a heavyweight in wrestling and a state qualifier in track for shot put and discus.
