Two Baldwin Braves are trading in their tomahawks to become birds of two different feathers.

Seniors Malik Clark and Ty’Christian Henry were among the thousands of high school football players across the country that took part Wednesday in National Signing Day. The day marks the first in which prospects may sign their letters of intent to the school they plan to attend in the fall.

After an untimely coaching change in the recruiting process, Clark will still take his talents to the University of Louisville in Kentucky to become a Cardinal. Henry will also head northward as he signed his letter of intent to don the orange and blue of the Carson-Newman University Eagles in Jefferson City, Tenn.

“We’re glad to have you guys here celebrate the experience of these two young men right here: Malik Clark and Ty’Christian Henry,” said Lee Hannah, who coached both players for the last three years. “It’s my last time to say anything publicly about these guys … I’m excited. I’m excited about this day. It’s been a long time coming for these guys, their parents, their families, and this school. They’ve put in a lot of work, a lot of hard work. We thank them for all their dedication and so forth. They’ve grown up mentally, spiritually, physically — the whole nine. It’s been a good thing, a positive experience to see them grow as young men here at Baldwin High School, on the gridiron, off the field, and the classroom.”

Both young men thanked everyone from coaches, family members and teammates, for helping them along on their journey, fighting back emotion as they did so.

Clark is often referred to by coaches and teammates as the “silent assassin” due to his quiet nature. The 6-foot-5-inch, 255-lb. defensive lineman let his play do the talking as he garnered all kinds of accolades from his disruptive play on the field. Among Clark’s achievements, he was named first team All-State, Region 3-AAAA Defensive Player of the Year, and most recently Georgia Athletic Coaches’ Association first team Player of the Year.  

“It’s been a long time coming,” Clark said before putting pen to paper. “For the next four years I’d like to further my education and football career at the University of Louisville.”

Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was one of Clark’s chief recruiters during his tenure at Louisville until he departed for the same position at Mississippi State University in early January.

“I was mad at first, but coach Hannah sat me down and said that it ain’t over yet,” Clark said when asked for his reaction after hearing of his recruiter’s departure. “Then I met the new coach and everything was just good.”

Peter Sirmon is the new Cardinal defensive coordinator.

During his senior season, Clark compiled 47 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks.

Clark added that the family atmosphere at Louisville coupled with nice facilities and a good fan base were big reasons why he decided to take his talents to the bluegrass state.

Henry racked up a significant number of accolades for his play in 2016 as well. He was named the team’s Most Outstanding Player, first team All-Region, and was a member of The Union-Recorder All-County defensive team.

As a senior, Henry compiled 75 total tackles, two sacks and 2 INTs on the season.

“For the next four years I’ll be taking my academics and athletics to Carson-Newman University,” he proclaimed after dolling out his thank-yous at the ceremony.

The linebacker told The Union-Recorder that the line of communication with Carson-Newman really opened up about a month ago. Henry said he’ll play outside linebacker in the Eagles’ 4-3/5-2 system. His own research into the Tennessee university yielded positive results, and he said that a long chat with coaches helped show him how well they would support him once he comes to campus.

“It means everything,” Henry said when asked what the opportunity to play at the next level means to him. “About two months ago I actually told coach Hannah that I may just go to school because I didn’t think I would have an opportunity to continue to play ball. Once the phone rang and they let me know there were going to offer me, it was just a big sigh of relief. ….”

Hannah said after the ceremony that he was proud of both of the young men.

“It’s like a proud father seeing a newborn son,” the coach said. “These two young men, I’ve watched grow up over the past three years and mature into fine young men not just for the program, but for the community and their families as well — it’s been good to see them grow into fine young men.”