High School Football

Local athletes in the spotlight on National Signing Day

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wednesday is the day high school athletes will make their commitments to play football at colleges and universities around the country.

The 2017 version of National Signing Day could be the last year the popular spectacle happens on one day. The Washington Post reports that the NAACP is considering plans for an early signing day in December that could remove some of the hype.

As of noon, at least two Big 22 players have announced their intentions.

The scene that played out at Vance High School was a familiar one at hundreds of schools across the country -- an announcement, cheers, tears and a new hat.

“It means a lot not just for me, just for the community in general,” Vance head coach Aaron Brand said.. “University City got better today.”

Ryan Jones, of Mallard Creek High School, made a commitment to Oklahoma, and Lincolnton wide receiver Sage Surratt will attend Wake Forest University.

Signing day has had a different feel in recent years, as athletes announced their commitments earlier and earlier. Two former Big 22 players to watch, Kingsley Ifedi and tight end Jeremiah Hall, are already enrolled in college.

Big 22 Player of the Year Derion Kendrick is one of the top recruits of the class of 2018 and has already committed to Clemson University.

“It got all the weight off my shoulders, coaches hitting me up every day now. It’s just getting more calm,” Derion Kendrick, who committed to Clemson, said.

Wednesday was not about surprises and headlines; instead, it was a well-deserved celebration.

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“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” Michael Roberts, who signed with the U.S. Army football team, said. “It’s heartwarming. It’s a new milestone in life. It’s just a great moment."