Bethel senior C.J. Compton grew up in a “Sooner family,” and he started playing football at age five for Jennings Public Schools.
So, naturally, it was a dream for Compton to be a University of Oklahoma football player.
“You can’t beat the fan base and culture surrounding Sooner football,” Compton said in an email interview.
Now, Compton’s family will have someone to root for on their favorite team, as he will be the first of his siblings to go to OU. He signed his letter of intent on Feb. 6.
Bethel Head Football Coach Joey Ginn said that Compton moved to Bethel in ninth grade when his father was hired as pastor of Blackburn Chapel, and Ginn has seen him make great strides in football since then.
“C.J. transformed his body from ninth - 11th grade,” said Ginn. “He took on the challenge of moving to Center that same year, and it truly helped him grow tremendously as a player over that twoyear window!” “ He has re a l l y worked on being more agile, and it really has helped him. His work with the Trench Mafia since his ninth-grade year has really made him grow as an Offensive Lineman and person, as well.”
For Compton, football is also about team ties and the experience on the field.
“I love how it’s a family,” he said. “Every position relies upon one another, and for four quarters, everything going on outside of the game is blocked out.”
Ginn is proud of Compton and all his fellow seniors on the Wildcat team.
“This senior group has done a tremendous job over their careers carrying out our Football Pillars of GRIT (Guts, Resilience, Initiative, & Tenacity),” he said.
As a lifelong OU fan, Ginn said he “may be more excited than (Compton) he is, honestly!!”
“ I’m e x t remely proud for C.J. to see him carry out a lifelong dream of being an OU Football Player,” said Ginn. “Also, knowing what him being able to say and have on a resume, that he was an OU football player, will do over the course of his whole adult life!”
Compton is looking forward to working hard as a college athlete, as well as working towards becoming a physical therapist.
“My goals are to get on scholarship, learn and grow as a player, and get playing time,” he said. “My goal isn’t necessarily the NFL, but I plan to work so hard that I may come upon that opportunity, if it’s God’s will and plan for my life.”
“ I plan to be a physical therapist, in hopes to one day open my own clinic,” said Compton. “I want to be able to help people.”
Compton has many people he wishes to thank for helping him to reach his goal.
“I just want to give God the glory for how he has blessed me with this opportunity and my family for always supporting me,” he said. “My mom and dad are my biggest fans, and Bethel coach Ginn and all the coaches for their belief in me, and my teammates, but lastly, the town of Jennings, Coach Meador, and Coach Anderson for all they’ve taught me in my time at Jennings.”
