The fact that Lewisburg sits about an hour south of the usual recruiting stops by college coaches, recruiting the Volunteer State has done little to deter Thomas Osteen and his staff from making sure that players that put the time in and want to play at the next level-- find a home at the next level.

The class of 2021 will not be an exception as star linebacker Christian Stacey inked with Lindsey Wilson College during the fall signing period with both receiver A'Ky Howard and kick Jon Estes both expected to make their decisions on down the line.

Stacey, a three-year starter at linebacker for the Tigers, chose the Blue Raiders over Birmingham Southern and was also being recruited by Bethel and Sewanee.

"I chose Lindsey Wilson because I loved the winning culture there and I felt like I fit in with their staff and program and I wanted to be a part of it," Stacey, who plans on majoring in physical education with a minor in history said. "I was lucky enough to still go on two visits with schools (because of Covid-19) but it was definitely different with all the virtual visits and tours going on."

Stacey was a mainstay on the defensive side of the ball for the Tigers, finishing a four-year career with 212 tackles, 24 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks (-52 yards lost), eight quarterback hurries, six interceptions, four passes defended, recovered four fumbles, one caused fumble, and blocked a punt while also carrying the ball 12 times for 29 yards, catching 12 passes for 104 yards and four touchdowns. Stacey also threw for 24 yards and a score on four-of-six completions on offense.

"(Stacey) had been a “cornerstone” piece of our team to build around for the last four years," Tiger coach Thomas Osteen recalled. "He had played more “snaps” than anyone on our team…defense, offense, and special teams."

Stacey saved his best season for his last, leading the Tigers in tackles (97) and tackles for a loss (14) while tying for the lead in sacks (3.5) and quarterback hurries (4) to go along with an interception culminating in a nod on the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s 4A All-State squad.

"Christian's best talent is that he is a ‘football player’," Osteen explained. "He loves the physicality of the game, has a great feel and knowledge of all aspects of the game and more importantly he ‘loves the processes year round of what it takes to be a good player."

"He has worked liked crazy to improve his physical traits and measurables over the last four years," Osteen added.

That drive and improvement from year to year proved to be a big reason why Stacey seemed like such a great fit for the Blue Raiders.

"When looking at any recruit, we always look at the academic profile first and Christian has done a tremendous job in the classroom during his high school career," Lindsey Wilson defensive coordinator Phillip Kleckler said. "Then we evaluate from an athletic standpoint and Christian grew tremendously from his junior to senior seasons. That gets us excited and optimistic that he is most likely capable of continuing to develop as a college athlete."

"The last piece is the type of person he is," Kleckler added. "Through our conversations with Coach Osteen and our interaction with him when he and his family visited campus, we felt very confident that he was a great fit for Lindsey Wilson College and Blue Raider football."

Lindsey Wilson College, located in tiny Columbia, Kentucky with an enrollment of just 2,590 students, became a four-year institution only 35 years ago and remarkably has fielded a football team for just 10 seasons.

And while Adair County has doubled in population the past 50 years, Columbia claims a population of just 4,604 residents, making Blue Raider football the hottest ticket in town with its tremendous success in just one decade of football.

Since the 2014 season, Lindsey Wilson has compiled an astonishing record of 59-13 overall with a 30-5 conference mark.

The 2019 season featured a perfect 10-0 regular season before the Blue Raiders fell one game short of the NAIA championship game with a 34-24 semifinal loss to #2 Marian University.

The pride of Columbia, Kentucky made the NAIA national playoffs five times in six seasons (2014-19) with three quarterfinal appearances and the lone semifinal loss.

Lindsey Wilson is no stranger to former Tigers gracing the Blue Raiders’ sideline.

Marcellus Campbell played all 13 games on the 2019 undefeated regular season and semifinal participant and finished his true freshman season with nine tackles and two interceptions.

Former All-Region defensive lineman Tae Tae Lyttle played on the 2017 undefeated regular season and quarterfinal participant along with the 7-3 (4-2) 2018 squad while former wide receiver Kacy Pleas suited up for the 2015 and 2016 Blue Raider squads.

And like many Marshall County athletes before himself, Stacey found inspiration in both family and former Tiger greats to immolate on the field.

"I definitely looked up to all the players I watched when I was a kid and couldn't wait to go watch them every Friday night," Stacey recalled. "A couple in particular were my cousin Austin Stacey, who played a few years back and my dad, Keith Stacey."

"Hearing all the stories of the state championship team he was on always got me excited," Stacey continued. "There are a bunch of guys on the current team that I always try to be a great role model for in practice every day."

Those young athletes will now have a living, breathing, example of how far hard work both on the field and in the classroom can get a young kid from Lewisburg.

"It means a lot to me to represent Marshall County because of all of the great players we've had here," Stacey, who led the Tigers to a 15-5 region record and two region titles during his four years, said. "My best memories from playing at Marshall County are definitely all the great wins and all the time spent with all my teammates and coaches and the great feeling of playing in front of all the great fans at Preston Hopkins on a Friday night."

How successful this next part of the journey will be all depends on Stacey, according to his future coach.

"Ultimately, Christian will determine where he fits in on our team as a freshman," Kleckler offered. "We are very transparent with all of our recruits when they visit campus on the type of commitment it takes to be successful in our program."

"I know he is going to enjoy the rest of his senior year in the classroom and playing baseball all while working out as he prepares for college football," Kleckler continued. "We are excited to work with him when he gets on campus in August 2021!"