Five Dougherty Seniors Sign Letters to Play College Football

Four players will stay local, signing with Albany State University

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Five seniors from Dougherty High School in Albany, Georgia signed national letters of intent to continue their football careers at the college level. Four of the players - Khalil Jones, Daishon Malone, Jatden Owens, and Janard Walker - will stay local, signing with Albany State University. The fifth player, offensive lineman Braylen Bangon, will attend Clayton State University in the south metro Atlanta area.

Why it matters

The signing ceremony was a celebration of the hard work and perseverance of Dougherty High's senior class, which helped carry the Trojan football program through a challenging season. It also reinforces Albany State's strong local ties, with four Albany natives choosing to represent the city at the collegiate level.

The details

The signing ceremony featured Dougherty's cheerleaders and band, and included remarks recognizing the accomplishments, leadership and perseverance of each senior. The four players signing with Albany State University are defensive standout Khalil Jones, running back Daishon Malone, and defensive backs Jatden Owens and Janard Walker. Offensive lineman Braylen Bangon will attend Clayton State University in the south metro Atlanta area.

  • The signing ceremony took place on Thursday morning, February 12, 2026.

The players

Khalil Jones

A defensive standout for Dougherty High School who signed with Albany State University.

Daishon Malone

A running back for Dougherty High School who signed with Albany State University.

Jatden Owens

A defensive back for Dougherty High School who signed with Albany State University.

Janard Walker

A defensive back for Dougherty High School who signed with Albany State University.

Braylen Bangon

An offensive lineman for Dougherty High School who signed with Clayton State University.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The five players will begin their college football careers in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

This signing ceremony highlights the dedication and hard work of Dougherty High School's senior class, who have earned the opportunity to continue playing football at the collegiate level. It also demonstrates the strong local ties of the Albany State University football program, which has attracted four players from the city to join their team.