By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
The college journey will be a short one for Cabot senior L.J. Tarrant. The former Panther defensive lineman signed on Wednesday to attend Harding University in Searcy. Tarrant, who earned All-Conference and All State honors his senior year as a starter for the Panthers football team, secured his spot at the school with a 3.5 GPA and a solid score of 22 on his ACT exams.
His athletic abilities also earned him a spot on this summer’s East All-Star roster for football, and the KATV Power Team lineman of the year award. His study habits earned him Academic All-Conference in both his junior and senior years.
Like many across the nation on Wednesday, Tarrant (6-1, 255 lbs.) signed his letter of intent in front of family, friends and faculty. Members of the CHS athletic department stood behind Tarrant and his family for media photos at the Panther Pavilion gymnasium, followed by the signing of the letter itself.
“The coaches called me nearly every day,” Tarrant said of head coach Ronnie Huckeba and the HU football staff. “When I went there to visit, it actually felt like I was already a part of it.”
Tarrant, who is currently enjoying a successful season on the Panther wrestling team, committed to Harding only days after the end of Cabot’s successful 2007 season. He made key plays that led to wins against North Little Rock and Russellville during the season, as well as being one of the most consistent players on the defensive line.
