Three local student-athlete alums have been recognized for their play at the collegiate level.

Former LaFayette High School athlete JaTarvious Whitlow was recently named the SEC Impact Freshman of the Year by the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club. On 143 rushing attempts, Whitlow gained 777 yards to go along with four touchdowns during the regular season for the Auburn Tigers. Earlier this month, Whitlow was also named to the Freshman All-SEC team. In addition to his running, Whitlow also reeled in 107 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. He also threw a touchdown pass against Georgia. Whitlow and the Auburn Tigers are now preparing for the Music City Bowl against Purdue, which will take place Dec. 28.

Former Lanett High School athlete Marlon Bridges was named to the Associated Press FCS All-American second team as a safety. This past regular season, Bridges totaled 52 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, an interception and a forced fumble. In the FCS Playoffs, he added 17 more tackles and a pick-six in Jacksonville State’s first two rounds. Bridges is a candidate for the Buck Buchannan Award, which is given to the top defensive player in the FCS. The redshirt junior was also named a second-team All-American last season.

Former LaFayette High School athlete Qua Boyd was named to the Associated Press All-American second team as a tight end. The honor is the latest for Boyd, who has also been named to the All-Gulf South Conference Team, the Conference Commissioners Association All-Super Region 2 Football Team and the Division II Collegiate Commissioners Association All-American team. With the selection, Boyd became a two-time All-American. Despite missing three games this season, Boyd caught 46 passes for 562 yards and seven touchdowns. He leaves West Alabama as the eighth-leading all-time player for career receptions in two seasons.