By MICKEL PONTHIEUX / Sports Reporter

Seniors across Shelby County put their pens to paper to solidify their commitments to schools of their choice during National Signing Day Feb. 6.

The day started at Chelsea High School where seven student-athletes signed commitments to their respective schools.

Julius McCall led five Hornet football players that signed to play college football. McCall signed his letter of intent to Troy University after switching his verbal commitment from UAB.

“I have always wanted to play Division I football and for Troy to give me the opportunity to play football at the next level really is a blessing,” said McCall.

“I have always been interested in Troy, added McCall. “After I took my official (visit), it really opened my eyes. When I left, I knew Troy was the place I was going to play my football.”

Joining McCall signing football scholarships were JR Appling with Faulkner University, Darian Golden with Huntingdon College, Keelan Gregg with Mercer University and Jonathan Rush with Shorter University as an invited walk-on.

Cheyenne Thompson signed a full-ride academic scholarship to Montevallo University and will compete in cross-country and track for the Falcons. Trip Hobbs rounded out Chelsea signees as an invited walk-on to the University of South Alabama.

Oak Mountain High School boasted five signees on National Signing Day during its signing ceremony.

Eagles’ fullback Scott Hester fulfilled his dream when signed to play football for the United States Air Force Academy.

“Going to the Air Force Academy is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Hester. “It’s such a great place to be from years down the road. I’m definitely blessed with the opportunity to play Division I football.”

Oak Mountain quarterback Jake Adams signed to play with Highland Community College in Highland, Kansas. Offensive lineman Billy Dasher and defensive lineman Lloyd Time both signed to play football at Southeastern Missouri State University.

Briarwood Christian School had three student-athletes sign to play at the collegiate level in their respective sports.

Dual-sport standout Daniel Robert signed a baseball scholarship to play for Auburn University, the alma mater Briarwood head baseball coach Steve Renfroe. The Lions’ Jordan Carroll signed to play football at Tennessee Tech University while golfer Trevor Paige signed to play at the University of West Alabama.

Spain Park’s Nick Mullens was one of four Jaguars to sign football scholarships on National Signing Day at Spain Park High School Wednesday afternoon. Mullens had verbally committed to play for UAB, but like McCall chose to go Southern Mississippi after his official visit two weeks ago.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Mullens. “I plan on going into marketing and business and that fits perfectly at Southern Miss.”

Jags’ linebacker Jeniah Jackson signed to play with the UAB Blazers and Jacob Chaffin signed to play for the University of South Alabama. Wide receiver MJ Brown signed to play for Holmes Community College.

Simone Charley officially signed to play soccer at Vanderbilt University. Madi Gipson signed a softball scholarship with Auburn University while teammate MaryBeth Glass signed with Spring Hill College. Kylie Beaubien signed to play volleyball at Columbus State.

Josh Close signed a baseball scholarship with Liberty University. Justin Kane will play lacrosse for Furman University while Jordan Strong will compete at the University of Montevallo in track and field.

Pelham offensive lineman Gardner Fish signed an academic scholarship to play football at Williams College.

Calera’s Sam Adams and Coosa Valley’s Kyle Glover each signed a football scholarship to play for Faulkner University.

Thompson’s Anthony Barganier and Kingwood Christian’s Titus Adams signed to play football at the University of West Alabama.

Montevallo’s Korey Cunningham signed a college football scholarship to play for the University of Cincinnati.