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T.R. Miller defensive tackle, Ricky “Train” Samuel signed with Troy University this past week as part of College Football Early Signing week.

Troy University gained 16 players on Wednesday in what ranks as the best signing class in school history.

The 6’3, 300-pound powerhouse defensive tackle earned second team All-State honors as a sophomore at W.S. Neal and is projected to be named again this year.

Samuel is ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, one of the top 100 defensive tackles in the country, top 55 defensive tackles from Alabama, rated as a three-star recruit and top 60 player in the state by rivals and as a three-star player by ESPN.

This past season Samuel registered 90 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, four caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 22 hurries.

Samuel has had over 21 offers from colleges across the country, including numerous division one schools such as Tennessee, Florida Atlantic and Jacksonville State.

Samuel completed his last season as a T.R. Miller Tiger on a high note.

Samuel has gained the respect of the entire county with his play style and personality.

In a sense, Samuel is a huge teddy bear, a respectful young man, loyal to his teammates and coaches and great leader on and off the football field.

“Ricky is a quality young man. He is a great player and leader. Above all he is a great person. Troy University is getting the highest quality player and person. He will step in and make an impact fast,” said Miller head coach Keith Etheredge.

Samuel was honored during his signing ceremony on Wednesday afternoon by his coach and teammates.

Etheredge addressed the audience and congratulated his player formally with family, friends, faculty and staff of TRM present.

“My words for Ricky are simple. Work hard and keep God first and everything will work out. Do the little things and do things the right way and contribute early. Work hard in the classroom and everything on the field will work itself out,” said Etheredge.

As Samuel laid the pen to the paper, surrounded by his mother and step-father, he had a huge smile.

“It’s an emotional day that I have been working my entire life towards. To be able to get to share this with my family, friends, teammates and coaches is unbelievable. It’s like a dream,” said Samuel.

“I can’t say thank you enough to my coaches and to Coach Etheredge. He has continued to push me to do my best and has kept me on point. He is a great coach and an even better man,” said Samuel.

Samuel’s signing has also helped open up doors for other players as well.

As scouts viewed games and practices that Samuel was participating in, they took notice to other Miller players and have showed interest in those young men as well.

“He is a leader and cares about his teammates. He has continually put his entire team before himself and he has helped open doors for his teammates without even realizing it,” Etheredge said.

When the train rolls into Troy next year, he will be bringing the kind, caring, determined leadership that has been his trademark.

“I am so blessed to have this opportunity. Troy has an excellent program and I can’t wait to do my part to make the program better and make a difference. It’s a dream come true,” Samuel said.