Three local atheltes are known to be leaning toward signing a football scholarship with an NCAA Division I program as part of National Signing Day.

Oak Mountain offensive lineman D.J. Looney will become the fifth Eagle to play in the Southeastern Conference, when he signs with Coach Sylvester Croom and the Mississippi State Unviersity Bulldogs this afternoon.

&8220;I’m so excited to get down there. That program is just going to boost in the years to come. I know coach Croom and his staff is going to do a heck of a job with us. We’re just going to come in there and battle, and see what happens,&8221; Looney said.

The 6&8217;1&8221;, 303 pound lineman was a strong part of Jerry Hood&8217;s offensive line with the Eagles.

&8220;He’ll provide a lot of personality for that team. He’ll be a good team mate and hard worker, and eventually will be a great player for them,&8221; Hood said.

A number of other players from the county are expected to sign today or this week.

Pelham High School is expected to have at least two commitments, including Division I promises by wide receiver Wes Holland and middle linebacker Chris Brice.

Both plan to attend a military academy, and Brice is expected to sign with the Air Force Academy.

The highly decorated Holland had previously narrowed his search to West Point and Air Force, but made a last minute visit to the Naval Academy over the weekend.

Holland, who collected over 2,000 yards total offense and 24 touchdowns as a senior, was reportedly impressed by Coach Paul Jones&8217; program in Annapolis, Md. and may lean toward the blue and gold when his decision is announced Thursday.

Oak Mountain will also see running back Nick Andreson sign with Division II program Carson Newman University.

Shelby County High will see Andrew Burns make his decision to join the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, while three local players are considering a short move north to help Joey Jones start his Division III program at Birmingham-Southern College.

Kingwood&8217;s Cody Owens and Chelsea&8217;s Jonathan Jones will both sign academic scholarships and commit to the Panthers, while Andrew Pearce will decide between BSC and Milsaps College.