PA's Blanton, Manning, Honeycutt sign to continue football careers

Cole Blanton admitted football wasn't on his mind when he began high school at Providence Academy. The Knights' program was in its infant stages, and he didn't play the sport until late in his sophomore season, when he lined up at running back. He's grown several inches taller since then, enough to where he made an impact in three sports during his PA career. Ultimately, Blanton decided to stick with football as he continues his athletic career at the collegiate level. In Thursday's ceremony at Providence Academy, Blanton signed as a preferred walk-on for East Tennessee State's football team. "I just want to first thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for every opportunity he's given me, every test he's put me through. It's truly a blessing," Blanton said. "It's a whole new world. It's like going through high school all over again times 10." It helped when ETSU coach Will Healy relocated to Tennessee not far from Blanton, who attended Buccaneer practices on multiple occasions. Even before PA had established its football program, Blanton had found other ways to get reps — such as practicing with his younger brother on the PeeWee fields. "They were only a grade or two younger than me," Blanton recalled. "Football, there's nothing like it. It's truly a sport where everyone can get in there and play and find something they're good at and have fun." So much fun that he gave up travel baseball last summer and devoted that time to lifting and improving physically. Blanton, who helped the Knights' baseball team reach back-to-back TSSAA state tournaments, was a two-time team captain for PA's football team. As a senior, Blanton garnered Division II-A All-State honors from the Tennessee Football Coaches Association while earning East All-Region accolades on offense. He caught 35 passes for 848 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. And what made it even more special, the majority of those came from his brother, freshman quarterback Cam Blanton. "We just carried each other," Cole said. "The connection we had was like no other." And he rarely left the field, recording 51 total tackles (37 solo, 14 assists) while recovering two fumbles and intercepting two passes — returning one of those picks for a touchdown. Blanton also punted, totaling 302 yards on 15 attempts with five inside the opponent's 20-yard line and kicking five extra points. Blanton has excelled academically as well, currently holding a 4.0 grade point average and following up his Cum Laude Honor Roll in 2024 by earning Summa Cum Laude Honor Roll honors in 2025 and 2026. He's also a member of the National Honors Society. He plans to study engineering in college. XANDER MANNING TO PIKEVILLE Xander Manning too thought his future lied in baseball. After all, his former school currently doesn't field a gridiron team. But the University of Pikeville took notice of Manning's performance at Providence Academy, and Manning signed to continue his football career with the Bears. "I'm just thankful for the opportunity," Manning said. "I was on Twitter one day, and I followed their offensive line coach. He DM'd me and asked me what by GPA and stuff was like, so they got in contact there. Then he just started talking to me." And when Manning took his campus visit, he left UPIKE with an offer. He'll play on the offensive line for the Bears while studying to become an athletic trainer. Having not played football for three years, Manning transferred to Providence Academy from Cedar View Christian. Nevertheless, he didn't skip a beat. A two-way starter on the Knights' offensive and defensives lines in 2025, Manning helped pave the way for PA's offense to throw for more than 2,000 yards with 21 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry with 18 rushing TDs. On the D-line, Manning was involved in 21 tackles with two sacks, a pass breakup and a forced fumble over eight of the 11 games where he appeared. Manning is also a leader in discipleship groups and a member of the chapel band at PA, both singing and playing the drums. "It's a blessing. I get to set a foundation for kids who will come in the future, and kids who've always wanted the same thing I did," Manning said. "Coach (Daniel) Kilgore, he played 10 years in the NFL so he's been a great mentor." EMMA HONEYCUTT TO MILLIGAN Emma Honeycutt helped pave the way for female student athletes at Providence Academy. Consequently, she paved her own path to a nationally ranked flag football program. On Thursday, she signed to play flag football at Milligan University. "I'm super excited. Going to be a lot of fun," Honeycutt said. "It's a good opportunity. I feel like I chose the right team." Having also played soccer and softball, with a "little bit of basketball" at PA, Honeycutt explored her options for a sport to play in college. And after talking to Coach Ryan Witten along with a few of the Buffaloes, Honeycutt knew where she was headed. Honeycutt will join a Milligan program which has already made a splash, going 14-0 so far with a No. 9 NAIA national ranking. And she's not going in blind. Honeycutt has gridiron experience with Providence Academy's football team, serving as extra point kicker for the Knights' inaugural gridiron squad. Her involvement set the tone for females wanting to take part in PA's flag football league and summer camps. And yes, she drew inspiration from former Vanderbilt football kicker Sarah Fuller. "It made me feel like I do something special with that sport," Honeycutt said. I think it set the standard that I can play different sports that aren't normal for girls. I think it set a high bar for myself. I knew I could do it." Honeycutt plans to study finance in college.