Clarke Central High School varsity football defensive lineman Anthony “AJ” Lonon, a senior, signs to continue his athletic and academic career at the University of Georgia on Dec. 3 in the CCHS Billy Henderson Strength & Conditioning Center. Lonon expressed his excitement to experience the atmosphere at UGA’s Stanford Stadium as a player. “On the field, I’m excited to be in that energy. The stadium, if you’re ever at a UGA game, especially an intense one, you know it gets loud. Even when you’re not playing, you feel like you’re playing,” Lonon said. Photo by Kye Streetman
CCHS varsity football defensive lineman Anthony “AJ” Lonon Jr. officially signed to continue his academic and athletic career by committing to play football at the University of Georgia on Dec. 3.
After committing to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Georgia on Aug. 2, Clarke Central High School varsity football defensive lineman Anthony “AJ” Lonon Jr., a senior, officially signed with them on Dec. 3.
Lonon’s decision was between UGA and the Georgia Institute of Technology, though he had received a total of 28 offers from post-secondary institutions nationwide.
“(UGA) was one of my last offers. On my official visit, I loved it. I’m from Athens, of course, so I was already drawn to them a little bit. But the visit really sold (me),” Lonon said.
“(His motivation comes from) his own desire, his own commitment to reaching his goals, and then also his excitement for the opportunities that are to come. He is really excited about becoming a Bulldog, and he knows that that is no easy feat, and it requires ongoing work.”
— Deborah Lonon,
mother of Anthony “AJ” Lonon Jr.
The 6’2” 4-star defensive lineman is a four-year varsity student-athlete, and has been a force on the Gladiator football team’s defense under CCHS head varsity football coach David Perno, ranking No. 88 in Georgia and No. 2 in Region 8-AAAAA for sacks, according to MaxPreps.
“He was consistent, he was dedicated. He knew what he was good at, (and) where he could thrive,” Perno said. “But at the same time, he did basketball (and) he threw the shot put in (track and field). AJ is just one of a kind. (It’s) very unusual for a kid to have the type of talent he has (and) be as humble as he is.”
Members of the Clarke Central High School community, and friends and family of CCHS varsity football defensive lineman Anthony “AJ” Lonon Jr., a senior, attend his signing ceremony in the CCHS Billy Henderson Strength & Conditioning Center on Dec. 3. Lonon has played football on the varsity level since his freshman year under CCHS varsity head football coach David Perno, who stressed the importance of Lonon’s example. “To have two kids consecutive years get scholarships (at the) University of Georgia, obviously it’s a tribute to those players and (their) talent, but it’s also good for our program. I think it’s sending the right message that opportunities are out there if you’re committed to doing the right thing.” Photos by Kye Streetman
Lonon’s mother, Deborah Lonon, reflected on her son’s determination and the long journey ahead, noting her pride in his work ethic, including his academics, where he currently holds a 4.2 GPA.
“(His motivation comes from) his own desire, his own commitment to reaching his goals, and then also his excitement for the opportunities that are to come. He is really excited about becoming a Bulldog, and he knows that that is no easy feat, and it requires ongoing work. The work is really just about to begin,” Deborah said.
Clarke Central High School student-athletes attend CCHS varsity football defensive lineman Anthony “AJ” Lonon Jr.’s official signing to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Georgia in the CCHS Billy Henderson Strength & Conditioning Center on Dec. 3. Lonon’s signing continues his parents’ legacy at UGA, with his father, Anthony Lonon Sr., having played football for the Bulldogs and his mother, Deborah Lonon, being a former Double Dawg. “I’m proud of who he is and how he handles himself. He handles himself with humility. He handles himself grounded in God’s Word, and his family’s love and support and his love for (the) community (and) for family. I don’t have any doubt that he will remain humble and focused, but I certainly am very proud that those are two key characteristics that he’s always held on to.” Deborah said. Photo by Kye Streetman
Lonon will be graduating from CCHS early to join the Bulldogs in the spring, where he plans to major in business and continue his parents’ legacy. His mother was a Double Dawg at UGA, and his father, Anthony Lonon Sr., played football for the Bulldogs as one of the top recruits in 1995, as a tight end and defensive end.
“I chose UGA because they were letting me be more versatile with my position, which is how I play the game, being able to go up and down the line of scrimmage on the defensive line. Academically, it’s a great school, one of the best business schools, great with literature and the type of things I want to study. It’s great there,” Lonon said.
