Donovan Maxwell signs his letter of intent to play football at Lambuth University. Joining him are mother Tara Maxwell, father Joseph Maxwell, (back, from left) Shelbyville Central coach Jason Hardy, brother Michaux Maxwell and Lambuth assistant coach Hillie Walton. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Maxwell, now enrolled at Motlow State Community College, looks forward to getting back onto the football field.

"I sent some tapes up to Lambuth and the coach said he liked what he saw so when I went up there I just signed right away," Maxwell said. "After being away from football for a year I didn't really know it I would ever get another chance to play but I knew I was going to keep on trying and thankfully it worked out. I've really been concentrating on my grades and staying in shape this past year."

Maxwell had a stellar season his senior year for the Eagles.

He led the team in receiving, led Region 5-4AAA in touchdown catches with seven and earned All-Region honors. He also was selected to play in the National All-Star Bowl in Cookeville his senior year.

"Donovan really made an impact his senior year as a wide receiver in our region," Shelbyville coach Jason Hardy said. "Just about every game all of our region coaches were very impressed with him. He was always someone the other team targeted to try to shut down.

"He's a good kid, a hard worker and I'm very proud for him."

Maxwell has good speed and hands, both qualities of a great receiver, but Hardy believes he has something even more special for a wide receiver.

Maxwell leaps for a catch against Franklin County. (T-G File Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge]

"Donovan is just a really good route runner and he does a great job of making himself get open. He also doesn't drop passes. He has good speed and he got a lot faster during high school but he just could find a way to get open no matter who was guarding him or what defense it was."

Maxwell's been clocked in the 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash.

"The coaches have told me not to think that I'll be red-shirted but to think that I can come in and get some playing time," Maxwell said. "That's the attitude I'm going up there with."

His former coach really thinks Maxwell has a chance to be a great impact player at Lambuth.

"I've talked to some of their coaches and they expect Donovan to come in and really make some plays for them and he can do that," Hardy said. "He was a young senior in high school and his best days are ahead of him."

Maxwell plans to major in mass communications.

He joins Nick Batts, a former teammate at Shelbyville and Cascade, who signed with Lambuth earlier this year.