National Signing Day sees local players find college homes, New Bern and John Paul II have big groups moving up
GREENVILLE, NC (WITN) – National contracting day for area soccer players. ECU adds a trio of players from Florida. cornerbacks Daylyn Diston and Rico Watkins and offensive lineman Jimarion McCrimon.
Local players have also locked themselves into their new homes today.
New Bern are celebrating five players, a couple already officially signed like KJ Sampson, who will play for Florida State.
“I never wanted my signing day to be all about me. I wanted to celebrate with my family and my brothers,” says Sampson, “so these guys are like family. We have known each other for 14-15 years. So that we can do this is amazing.”
Aronne Herring is also traveling to Hampton and shared his decision to play there.
“I have the feeling that I have better chances in Hampton than at ECU,” says Herring, “I’m going on my official visit in the spring. Haven’t you been there yet? No, not yet, not yet.”
The Bears State Championship Team has about 5 more guys to decide. But Jamar Bell signed with Elizabeth City State, Taevion Cox with Fayetteville State, and No’Tavien Green as the preferred walk-on with ECU.
“It means a lot to me. I’ve been watching them since I was young,” says Green, “my brother goes there. It’ll be good to play alongside him. I’m just looking forward to getting there and being ready , to work.”
James Kenan’s Mason Brown signed with ECU as well as a preferred walk-on.
Former Northside Jacksonville and ECU defenseman Jireh Wilson officially signed with Central Florida in the Big XII.
Two of its founding members found a new home at John Paul the Second in Greenville, the football team founded four years ago. Xae Lang at Hampden-Sydney College and Joey Koesters with Washington & Lee.
“The first year of the program started. Since then we’ve built it up. It’s grown much faster than we thought it would grow to 11 men next year,” says Koesters, “I love football. I wanted to play as soon as I got to college. The lower division suits me somehow. As a newbie, I have the opportunity to play. Really the academics are what really stood out to me.”
Saints Max Winkler signed with Grove City College and hopefully Rion Roseborough can take his Skittles to Towson. He should play at FCS in the CAA.
“I’m ready. Ready for the challenge, I know it’s going to be a top-class challenge. I love to play defense. I play a lot of defense. I love hitting people, I love contact,” says Roseborough , who mostly played as a running back for the Saints, “Me and the coach, all the coordinators are going to sit down and talk about it. Think we can get a little bit into that.”
State Champion East Duplin also brought two boys to college. Jesse Clinesmith signed Wingate and Daunte Hall with North Carolina Central.
Congratulations to everyone who signed.
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