LevelUp Athletes Team
Avery Reid, President
Avery graduated from Oneonta High School where he excelled both on and off the field. He participated in several sports (football, basketball, track) and was also a member of the National Honors Society. Several memories were made throughout his stint at Oneonta. None greater than becoming a state champion in football his senior year.
After high school he went on to pursue a degree in Metallurgical and materials engineering at THE University of Alabama. While he was at Alabama he had the privilege to walk on and join the football team as a RB. During this time he became both a SEC and National Champion. Since graduating from Alabama in 2018 he has been working as a material test engineer in the space and defense industry and recently began a new role as a material and process engineer. Since concluding his time as a player he continues to stay in touch with the game by volunteering as a coach.
Here is his “why” for starting LevelUp Athletes -
It is my pleasure to begin this new journey and continue giving back to the next generation. This has always been my greatest passion. I look forward to passing on knowledge from a game that has equipped me with so many tools that I can use throughout my entire life. Not only that, but I also get to continue this journey surrounded by people that mean the world to me.
Jalen Johnson, Vice President
Jalen graduated from Oneonta High School in 2014 and participated in several sports during his high school career. Jalen was a member of the Final Four Basketball Team in 2012, Runner-Up Track Team (4x4 Relay State Champion) in 2012 and three straight Alabama Class 4A State Championship appearances in football (2011-2013), ending his career as a State Champion in 2013. During his athletic career, Jalen served two years as team captain, Named All-State and voted one of top 25 players in state of Alabama as a junior.
After high-school, Jalen received a full athletic scholarship to play football at Georgia Tech where he received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Masters Degree in Building Construction and Facility Management. During his collegiate career, Jalen played on the Orange Bowl Championship Team in 2014, received ACC Linebacker of the Week vs Miami in 2018, a member of the ACC All-Academic Team 2018, and started all 13 games at OLB as a Senior recording 66 tackles (second on the team), 7.5 tackles for loss (second on the team) and two sacks (tied for third on the team). Following his collegiate career, Jalen had the opportunity to join the Atlanta Falcons for their Rookie Mini-Camp and was also invited to try out for the Indianapolis Colts. Following his playing career, Jalen joined a Construction Management Firm based out of Atlanta and works as an Assistant Program/Project Manager.
Here is his “why” for starting LevelUp Athletes -
The game of football brought me many opportunities that I would not have had, and other kids may not have today. My goal is to teach kids and young adults the lessons that I learned over my athletic career and how it shaped me to be the person I am today. I look forward to, and very thankful for the opportunity to give back to the same community that supported me throughout my life.
Jonathan Butler, Co-Vice President
Jonathan is a 2014 graduate of Oneonta High School. During his time at OHS, he was a two-sport athlete, participating in football and basketball. Jon was a part of two out of three AHSAA Class 4A State Finals appearances while becoming a state champion in 2013. He received All-County (1st Team Defensive Lineman) and All-Region (1st Team Offensive Lineman) honors his senior year. Jon was also selected to the All-Area team his senior season in basketball.
Upon graduation, Jon went on to attend Jacksonville State University in the Fall of 2014. In the Spring of 2018, he transferred to Athens State University where he is currently a student, pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education. He is a member of the Men of Kennis Minority Scholarship Program at Athens State as well. Jon is currently employed at Oneonta City Schools as a Special Ed Aide. He just wrapped up his 4th season as an assistant football coach at OHS. In his 4 years with the team, he’s been apart of a semifinal and a 4A state runner-up team. He also assists with the Oneonta Middle School team where he serves as the Offensive Coordinator. Jon also just wrapped up his first season as an assistant for OHS basketball team, who were the runners-up in the sub-region state playoff game.
Here is his “why” for starting LevelUp Athletes -
Growing up, football was the thing that brought a lot to me. It brought me joy, friendships, life lessons, and so much more. I had the right people coaching, guiding, and holding me accountable through this sport and I learned so much more than just the game from it. It taught me hard work, discipline, teamwork, brotherhood, and success from your hard work. These life lessons are some of many that will never depart from me. I not only want to help kids grow as athletes, but as people. I hope by being a part of LevelUp Athletes, I will be granted the opportunity to do so.