News Summary
Upson-Lee High School’s standout athlete Jayden Skelton has announced his commitment to the University of Alabama at Birmingham as he enters his senior year. He expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, and teammates through social media. Skelton has shown exceptional skills in both football and track, making him a vital player for his school. With the anticipation of becoming a primary target for the school’s quarterback, his dual-sport status raises excitement about his upcoming final season and collegiate opportunities.
Thomaston, GA – Upson-Lee High School athlete Jayden Skelton has announced his commitment to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) as he enters his senior year. Skelton revealed his decision on June 26, 2025, through social media, where he took a moment to express gratitude to God, his family, coaches, and teammates for their support.
This commitment comes during a standout track and football season for Skelton. He performed notably during the 2024 football season, achieving 27 receptions for 289 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to accumulating 436 all-purpose yards. On defense, he made his mark with 24 tackles, one interception, four pass breakups, and successfully blocking two field goals.
With the recent departures of key teammates Bentavious Reviere and Akeondre Chaney, Skelton is anticipated to become a primary target for the Upson-Lee High School quarterback Niko Wells in the upcoming season. His ability to excel on both sides of the ball positions him as a crucial asset for the team.
In addition to his football accomplishments, Skelton has distinguished himself in track and field. He became the state champion in the 100-meter dash in 2024 and followed up with a strong performance as the state runner-up in the 200-meter dash in 2025. His track career hit a snag at the 2AAA regional track meet when he faced disqualification in the 100-meter dash due to a false start. Despite this setback, he bounced back by winning the 200-meter dash, clocking in at 21.29 seconds, thereby setting a new record for Upson-Lee High School.
Upson-Lee Track Team Achievements
Other Upson-Lee athletes showed promise by qualifying for the sectionals, including Jordan Little in the 400-meter dash, Taniya Kendrick in the 100-meter dash, and Jamayah Carthon in shot put and discus. The boys’ relay teams excelled, with the 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400 teams all qualifying for finals at the sectionals. The girls’ 4×400 relay team also secured a spot in the finals.
Notable performances at the sectional track meet, held on May 6, included Zae Barkley’s fifth-place finish in high jump, along with several other athletes achieving personal bests throughout the competition.
Track Championship Upcoming Events
The Upson-Lee athletes will take their talents to the state championships at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany, scheduled to begin on May 11. The preliminaries for the 100-meter dash are set to start at 12:40 p.m. on May 12, providing an exciting platform for the athletes to showcase their talents on a larger stage.
Conclusion
As Jayden Skelton prepares for his final season at Upson-Lee High School, his successful commitment to UAB and impressive track and football performances place him in a promising position for both collegiate athletics and future opportunities. His journey reflects not only his hard work and dedication but also the supportive environment fostered by his coaches and community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Upson Beacon: Skelton Commits to UAB
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- On3: Upson-Lee High School
- Google Search: Upson-Lee High School
- Upson Beacon: Seven Headed to State for U-L Track and Field
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Track and Field
- MaxPreps: Spalding vs. Upson-Lee Football
- Google News: Upson-Lee Football Season
