The Troy State football team added a late signee this week when Lake City, Fla., punter/placekicker Thomas Olmsted signed a national letter of intent to play for the Trojans.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder earned all-state honors his final three seasons at Columbia High School, helping his team to the state playoffs each year. In 2001, Olmsted connected on 9-of-11 field goal attempts, with a long of 48 yards, and 34-of-35 point-after attempts. He also booted 83 percent of his kickoff attempts into the endzone for touchbacks.

More importantly, he boasted a 41-yard average per punt as a senior, an area where the Trojans are desperately seeking help.

"We are excited about Thomas," Troy State head coach Larry Blakeney said. "A punter and placekicker were two of our primary needs going into recruiting, and we were able to address both in one player. He will have an opportunity to compete for immediate playing time."

A four-year starter, Olmsted also earned all-state honors his final three years in soccer at Columbia.

Olmsted’s signing gives the Trojans 20 signees, including the 19 from the first day of the spring national signing period on Feb. 6. Blakeney said the Trojans will likely sign one or two additional linemen this spring.