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Milton High football roster logs more college signings By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Milton High School’s juggernaut football program sent off two more recruits to play at the next level with a signing day ceremony Feb. 4. Uniball pen company sponsors all of Milton’s signing day events. Head coach Ben Reaves reiterated what the team had recently learned in a recruiting seminar that between 6 and 7 percent of high school football players move on to play at the collegiate level. “No matter where you sign, where it is, who it is, it’s a rare opportunity,” he said. “It’s really hard to play at the next level, the name of the game now is just go find somewhere to play ball. These kids just love foot-
ball, and they want to go play somewhere where they’re a fit and can get a good education.” Running back Bentley Hickman, who transferred halfway through junior year from Homestead High in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, announced his commitment to Morehouse College. He joins his teammate, wide receiver Ayden Williams at Morehouse next season. Reaves said he knew Hickman would be successful from watching his work ethic in the weight room from the day he joined the team. Reaves said Hickman separated himself early as a leader on a team where many of the kids had played together for six to eight years.
See SIGNINGS, Page 10
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Milton running back Bentley Hickman, at front, sits with family and coaches announcing his commitment to Morehouse University in Atlanta. Hickman will be joined by several area players next season, including current teammate Ayden Williams and Cambridge receiver Grant Campbell.
Police: Body of missing person found in lake By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department say they believe they recovered the body of 27-year-old Nathan Smith shortly before noon Friday, Feb. 6. Positive identification is pending
confirmation by the Fulton County Coroner’s Office. Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, is the son of rapper Lil Jon. He was reported missing Tuesday, Feb. 3 after leaving his residence on Baldwin Drive around 6 a.m. Based on the investigation, Milton
Police does not suspect foul play. The Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue treating the case as open and active until the official cause and manner of death is determine by the Fulton County Medical Examiner.
City approves Deerfield plan ► PAGE 4
See PERSON, Page 26
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