For years, the Clinton Dark Horses have built a reputation around toughness, discipline and producing athletes capable of competing beyond Friday nights. This spring, that tradition continued as three senior standouts — Kelly Nere, Devon Garner and Aaran Landrum — officially committed to continue their football careers at the collegiate level.
Nere signed with Catawba College, Garner committed to Guilford College, and Landrum will head to North Carolina Wesleyan University, giving Clinton another class of athletes ready to take the next step.
For head coach Jason Arnette, the signings represent far more than talent on the football field.
“I honestly said all three of these kids are high-character kids, and I meant that,” Arnette explained. “They are all good dudes, good kids. They didn’t get in trouble at school, they made good grades, they played ball.”
The trio took different paths to reach this point, but each credited hard work, perseverance and family support for helping them earn the opportunity.
Devon Garner
For Garner, football became a proving ground.
The Clinton senior acknowledged that people often overlooked him because of his size, but he used that doubt as motivation throughout his career.
“I was always looked down on because I was smaller than everybody else,” Garner shared. “I’m probably not even touching six feet (in height). So me grinding out and trying to beat the guys that are bigger than me, taller than me, and still trying to be that big dog on the field, I think that’s a big part of who I am because I love to work. I love the chase. I love to chase the dream.”
Arnette said Garner steadily developed into one of Clinton’s leaders over the past two seasons.
“He’s been a two-year starter,” Arnette pointed out. “He got a little playing time during that state championship year (where the Dark Horses fell just short in the final) and then became a starter the last two seasons. He was a captain this year, a really good leader for our team.”
Garner said the recruiting process became real when Guilford reached out.
“They were the first ones that recruited me,” he recalled. “That was the first time any college had ever reached out to me. Going to the campus and seeing everybody, seeing how the coaches were and how everybody was, it made me want to go there.”
The moment carried special meaning because of the sacrifices made by those closest to him.
“Shout out to my mom, my dad and my little brother,” Garner said. “They sacrificed a lot. My little brother represents the best part of me.”
As for what Guilford can expect from him at the next level, Garner kept his answer simple.
“A dog,” he said. “That’s it. A dog.”
Aaran Landrum
Landrum’s athletic journey stretched far beyond football.
The Clinton receiver said sports had always been part of his life growing up, whether it was football, basketball, baseball, soccer or even golf. Now, he gets the chance to continue the dream at the collegiate level.
“A real dream come true,” Landrum expressed. “Ever since I was a kid, I really wanted to pursue my dream in any sport I played. I just wanted to go as hard as I could.”
Arnette pointed to Landrum’s production as a major piece of Clinton’s offense last season.
“Aaran Landrum was a big part of our offense last year,” Arnette stated. “He had 500-something receiving yards. He’ll contribute at Wesleyan and he’ll work.”
Landrum hopes his story can inspire younger athletes in Sampson County to believe similar opportunities are possible.
“I hope it puts a little example in their mind that they can do anything they put their mind to,” Landrum said. “As long as they put in the work and take the time, they can do anything they want to.”
He added that the atmosphere and coaching staff at North Carolina Wesleyan immediately stood out during his recruiting process.
“The atmosphere, the coaches, the program — it all fit me,” Landrum explained. “Even the offense they run really fits my play style.”
Landrum will also arrive on campus with a familiar face in fellow Sampson County athlete Devin Jones of Lakewood High School, who also signed with Wesleyan earlier this year.
“I feel like the team chemistry is really going to come together well,” Landrum said. “We’ve got a lot of good guys coming in from all types of places.”
Before ending his interview, Landrum made sure to recognize those closest to him.
“Shout out my dad, shout out my mom, and shout out my sisters,” he said. “Love y’all.”
Like Garner, Landrum described the player Wesleyan is receiving in just a few words.
“I’m going to put my all into it,” Landrum said. “It’s for my family, so I’ve got to go all out.”
Kelly Nere
Nere’s development may have been one of the most dramatic transformations among the group.
The Clinton lineman admitted football did not come naturally at first, but years of work in the weight room and on the field helped shape him into a college prospect.
“Coming in freshman year, I wasn’t really the prospect besides offensive line or defensive line,” Nere explained. “I just worked my butt off, and now I’m where I am right now.”
Arnette praised Nere not only for his play on the field, but also for his dedication academically.
“He started for two years on the defensive line and played offensive line for us, too,” Arnette remarked. “He’s not even in school right now because he’s already taking college classes. He’s rolling and doing his thing.”
As a defensive-minded coach, Arnette joked he would gladly keep Nere around longer if possible.
“I need to redshirt him and have him for one more year,” Arnette laughed.
Nere said one of the most rewarding parts of the process has been watching teammates earn similar opportunities.
“It feels great seeing my guys going to the next level anywhere they can,” Nere said. “We’re all able to keep playing the game that we love.”
Catawba’s defensive tradition and familiar faces already on campus helped make the decision easier.
“My old teammates, Dex and Jaime, going over there definitely helped,” Nere explained. “They have great defensive linemen over there too.”
While preparing for college, Nere said he plans to focus heavily on learning defenses and improving his football IQ before arriving on campus.
“Definitely knowing the defense, knowing where I need to be,” he said.
Though excited for the opportunity ahead, Nere admitted leaving home will not come without challenges.
“Probably my little brother,” he said with a smile when asked what he would miss most. “But my mom will handle that.”
He closed his interview with a message about the type of player Catawba is getting.
“A dog,” Nere said. “Somebody that can line up anywhere on the defensive line and give trouble to opposing offensive lines.”
Building the next generation
For Arnette, the signings serve as proof to younger players inside Clinton’s program that success beyond high school is attainable.
“There’s been a ton of kids come through Clinton High School and played at the next level,” Arnette said. “That’s just showing them that if you make the grades, work hard and put the time in, these things are achievable.”
As Garner, Landrum and Nere prepare to leave Clinton for the college ranks, Arnette believes their character will carry them just as far as their talent.
“Keep your head down and keep working,” Arnette advised. “Bumps are going to be in the road, but if they keep grinding, everything will work out in the long run.”