Two FHS seniors commit to colleges on National Signing Day

FLORENCE, Ala. — The first Wednesday in February is recognized as National Signing Day, and two Florence High School student-athletes celebrated by announcing their next steps after graduation.

Senior football players Jayshod Pearson and Derek Peters signed with the University of North Alabama Lions and the Tennessee Valley Defenders, respectively.

Pearson said that he's known for years he wanted to play college football, and having the opportunity to sign was a blessing from God. He said the encouragement from his coaches helped him reach the next level.

"Coach Morson definitely did the best that he could do; he was pushing me, and Coach McGuire started helping me with NCAA," Pearson said.

Pearson said he has also received support from Lions Assistant Head Football Coach and Defensive Coordinator Clint Bowen.

"He was telling me 'nothing is guaranteed, but you have a chance to come here and play and build a good relationship,'" Pearson said.

Derek Peters will begin his college football journey with the Tennessee Valley Defenders in Huntsville. He said he recognizes that playing in college is challenging and competitive, but doesn't take the opportunity for granted.

"It feels great; it's definitely hard," Peters said." To be able to go play at the college football level is definitely getting harder because of the transfer portal, but I'm just blessed that I was able to have a spot."

Peters said he's received support from his Florence coaches for years and is excited to display his talent for the Defenders.

"I say from Tennessee Valley, with the new head coach coming in, he definitely was recruiting me the hardest," Peters said. "I feel like I ultimately chose Tennessee Valley because I wanted to take the JUCO route to get more development."

For photos from Wednesday's signing day, click here.

By Jeremy Jackson