Russellville’s Hubbard, Williams to continue football careers, sign on National Signing Day

Two Russellville High School seniors made decisions to further their playing careers last week, signing with football programs in Mississippi and Kentucky on National Signing Day.

Zay Hubbard and Jah Williams, defensive backs on the Golden Tigers’ football team, made it official by inking their names with the respective programs of their choice; Hubbard signed with Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville and Williams signed with Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro.

“We’re excited to see them both play at the next level and for them to get the opportunity to further their education and get that paid for,” Russellville head coach Dustin Goodwin said. “I’m really proud of them and know that if they do what they’re capable of doing, they’re gonna be successful.”

Hubbard and Williams were both named First Team All-Region in their senior season with the Golden Tigers and each featured on the Franklin Free Press’s All-County First Team Defense.

Hubbard, listed at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, was the second-leading tackler for Russellville this past season with 126 and led the team in solo tackles with 67 and interceptions with five.

Williams, at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, had three interceptions, 63 total tackles, and was also integral in the Golden Tigers special teams unit at the kick return specialist. 

Goodwin said the duo have a little different skill set from one another which helped them compliment each other in the defensive backfield.

“They’re both really athletic kids,” Goodwin said. “Jah is probably a little faster and got a little more range on the field as a defender; Zay is more of a box player and a really good tackler.

“That said, Zay can cover and Jah can tackle but their strengths complimented each other well and they worked well together on the backend,” he added. “I think they grew over the course of the year, and we’re gonna miss them.”

Hubbard and Williams are the second and third Golden Tiger football players from the 2025 class to sign with a college program after Neyland Baker signed with the University of North Alabama back in December. Goodwin said the trio represent the possibility of opportunities for student-athletes who work hard on the playing field and in life.

“If you work hard and you do what you’re supposed to then you’re gonna perform at your highest level possible on a Friday night, and then if you’re continuing to grow as an individual and open to going places to play, those opportunities can present themselves,” Goodwin said. “If you do that we’re gonna work for you and get you in front of as many people as possible to make that happen.

“I’m really glad those three guys took the opportunity to increase their education and play and look forward to many more down the road,” he added. “I’m really happy that we were able to help them get that opportunity, but I’m more proud of them for putting themselves in the position to get the opportunity and having the courage to take it.”