Since they all arrived at Apollo as freshmen for the 2022 season, JT Edge, Caiden Tutt, and Eh’Madjai Badger have patrolled the secondary together. So, it was only natural that the trio would sign their college letters as a group, with Edge headed to Murray State University. Tutt and Badger will team back up at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
“They have been my teammates since freshman year, so it was surreal,” Tutt said. “It has been a goal for all three of us to play football in college, so to reach that goal with your brothers from freshman year felt great.”
After winning four total games during their first two seasons, Edge, Tutt, and Badger helped the Eagles finish 5-5 in 2024, before winning their first-round playoff game this past year.
As a freshman, Edge started attending football camps to put his name out and started hearing from college coaches a year later. From there, he became a student of the game, consistently losing himself in film and the playbook to improve his knowledge of the sport. He credits his dad, who is also his head coach, John Edge, for helping him throughout his recruitment process – be it taking him to camps or assisting him in reaching out to coaches.
During the process, he spoke with a few other schools, but once he received an offer from Murray State, he shut down his recruitment.
“The coaching staff makes it feel like home,” Edge said. “The coaches did a great job of recruiting, and they just made each and every player, especially me, feel involved. Not just with the football program, but the school.”
At Murray State, Edge will play safety and in the classroom, he plans to major in business administration and minor in real estate. He also hopes to eventually transition into coaching after his playing days.
Tutt played both sides of the ball this past year with the Eagles, hauling in 30 catches for 260 yards and a touchdown, whole recording 34 total tackles on defense. At KWC, he will be focusing on offense and will be returning punts and kick offs.
“On my visit, I talked with the special teams coach, and he told me there is a good chance I can get in with the group of returners they have right now,” Tutt said. “He keeps about three in the punt return and six in the kick return. He said there is a good chance, if I come to practice and work hard, I can get in both.”
During his recruitment process, he spoke with Campbellsville University and McKendree University, but he knew he would be attending KWC by the start of the new year.
“I am really comfortable with the coaching staff at KWC,” Tutt said. “Everything made me feel comfortable.”
In the classroom, he plans to study health sciences and physical therapy, with a focus on eventually becoming an athletic trainer.
During his junior year with the Eagles, Badger broke through with a team-leading seven interceptions, leading to increased interest from colleges. This past season, he finished with 39 total tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. He played both sides of the ball with Apollo, but will focus on being a defensive back at the next level.
Badger also spoke with a few other schools, including Georgetown College and Lindsey Wilson University, but he appreciated how KWC felt like a family and was close to his roots in Owensboro.
“It feels good,” Badger said. “I have been wanting to play at the next level since I was a little kid. It has always been my dream to play in college, and I am finally able to do it. It feels good.”
Badger acknowledged what it means that he will continue to play alongside Tutt at KWC.
“Whenever I first transferred to Apollo during my freshman year, Caiden was my first ever friend there. So, it will be great to go to college for a fresh start with him. We have that brotherhood together.”
While at KWC, he plans to major in sports management.
