A week after their previous signing day, the Catawba Ridge Copperheads had another signing day for five football players Thursday afternoon.
Chayson Anderton, Jackson Burger, Jordan Gilliam, Ira Mister and Josh Stokes have all committed to play college football at different locations of higher learning.
“I am very proud of all of you and what you have done,” said Catawba Ridge head football coach Zac Lendyak. “You have all worked countless hours to fulfill your dreams.”
Burger, Gilliam, and Mister all lost part of their senior season due to injury, but were able to overcome those setbacks to sign with a college.
Burger is going to the University of South Carolina. He had 122 solo tackles in three seasons and 157 total tackles during his time with the Copperheads to go with two sacks and five fumble recoveries.
“He seems to always be around the ball,” Lendyak said. “We are excited for him to be going down there.”
Gilliam is headed to Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C. In his three years on the varsity team, he caught 35 passes in 24 games for 356 yards and three touchdowns. He also had one rushing touchdown. On defense, he had five interceptions to go with 42 total tackles.
“We are excited to see what the future holds for him,” Lendyak said.
Mister is probably the biggest steal out of the class signing as he will be heading to North Greenville University. Mister collected 1,136 rushing yards in his three varsity seasons with nine touchdowns. On defense, he also had 125 tackles in three years to go with four sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception.
“Ira has encompassed the ‘be the why’ saying,” Lendyak said. “He was always doing something for others.”
Stokes is going to Averett University in Danville, Va. He had 66 tackles in two seasons for the Copperheads in helping lead the defense.
“Josh is a good example of how hard work pays off,” Lendyak said.
Anderton is heading to Newberry College as a lineman. He recorded 12 total tackles during his time with Catawba Ridge.
“He is a truly humble kid,” Lendyak said.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
