by 
Bobby Tomerlin
Former Superior resident and current Desert Ridge High School senior Bobby Tomerlin was one of six Jaguars’ football players to sign his National Letter of Intent on Feb. 7 during a signing event hosted at the school.
Tomerlin, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker, signed with in-state Ottawa University, which is located in nearby Surprise.
“I chose Ottawa University because they are the only school that is willing to give me a shot and they believe in me,” Tomerlin answered when asked why he signed with the Spirit. “I’m not going to let them down.”
Coach Jeremy Hathcock with Bobby Tomerlin
According to Tomerlin, Ottawa coaches want him to compete at middle linebacker. His experience playing for Jaguars head coach Jeremy Hathcock proved to be beneficial.
“Competing at Desert Ridge High School taught me toughness and how to compete for what I want,” Tomerlin said. “(I won’t) let anything stop me from reaching my goals.”
After moving from Superior in 2008, during the middle of second grade, Tomerlin has persevered in pursuit of “trying to fulfill my dad’s big shoes in playing college football and becoming a man.”
Hathcock described his senior linebacker as an “overcomer.”
“Bobby is a very driven individual,” Hathcock told the Superior Sun. “No matter what the obstacle, (he) faced it fearlessly.”
“His passion for football and his ability to focus will help him succeed at the next level.”
Tomerlin remains undecided on an area of study at Ottawa but is anxious to start the next chapter of his life. He hopes it includes developing relationships like those he experienced as a member of the Jaguars’ program.
“I am looking forward to opening up another exciting chapter in my life, and making a brotherhood and family,” he said. “Just like I did at Desert Ridge.”
Despite moving away from the mining town nearly a decade ago, Superior friends and family still motivate Tomerlin on and off the field.
“I couldn’t have done it without my family pushing me and my coaches along my way,” the son of Billy Jo Villaverde and Brandon Tomerlin Sr. said. “I am doing this for my family, and all of my friends from Superior. I’m representing them every time I step on the field.”
What can the younger players in the Jaguars’ program learn from Tomerlin?
“Bobby is leaving a legacy of hard work,” Hathcock responded. “Our players have learned that no matter the obstacles Bobby faced in life, he didn’t shy away. He looked at a challenge as an opportunity to get better. To rise to the occasion regardless of what it is.”
That’s the Spirit, Bobby.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
by by