In February of 2020, the NCAA sent out a notification to all schools that the number 0 will be a legal uniform number to be worn in athletic contests. Little be it known, one former standout student-athlete from Savannah, who is now a leader at the Citadel, will be part of history. The Citadel announced that former Jenkins High School Warrior and now Cadet Military Captain Javonte Middleton would become the first Bulldog to wear 0 in a Bulldog football game. The number will be worn each season by the team's Military Captain. Javonte will go into the Citadel football history books as the first Cadet to wear the number 0.
How Javonte found out is a great story. "I was sleeping, and I got a call from the head football coach, Coach Thompson, to meet him outside the barracks. I didn't know what it was about. Every college football player knows when the head coach calls you, there is something that might not be good. I got dressed in my uniform and meet Coach Thompson, and that's when he told me I would be the first Cadet to wear number 0," Javonte said. "Everybody wants to wear a single-digit number, but "0" is one of the most sought-after numbers now in college and pro sports. What was special is the past Military Captain agreed with coach that I would be the choice. It's special when your teammates nominate you."
I enjoyed attending the Citadel's first game of the Southern Conference spring 
football season at Mercer University on February 26, 2021. I got to be there to see Javonte running onto the field in that number 0 jersey. I got chills. What an honor for this young man. Javonte took to the field on the first play of the game on the kickoff team. As usual, he gave it his all as sprinted the length of the field as the ball floated into the endzone. He has also earned a starting position at defensvie cornerback, where he played the entire game and never slowed down.
Watching Javonte grow up from his days as a middle school athlete at Oglethorpe Academy and his high school career at Jenkins High School was a privilege. You knew he was a unique kid. He is an outstanding young man
who is special to all that knows him. He is a true leader and believer in the saying it is better to give than receive. How many fundraisers he has coordinated to help others is a god given gift. This young man donates his time and effort to help others over and over again and is always looking for more ways to give. He is what our Savannah Youth is all about. He is making us all proud, and this is a well-deserved honor. This is why I do what I do. You gotta love it when our high school stars leave an impression on others as they have in Savannah. Congratulations, Captain Middleton.
If you want to hear Javonte's situation go to this link from the Karl DeMasi Sports Report - The Coach & The AD YouTube Channel. Click on the link below.
The Wetherington Chiropratic Clinic Athlete of the Week 2.06.21
Photo - head shot - Citadel Sports
Action photos - the Karl DeMasi/Preps Sports Reports
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