Here's what Gastonia, Shelby area football standouts said as early signing period begins
Christmas arrived early for several high school football standouts in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties.
The early signing period for college football recruits began Wednesday. Eight area players signed letters of intent: Burns’ Cahari Haynes (Appalachian State); Ben Cutter (West Virginia), Tyler Mizzell (Wake Forest) and Keandre Walker (Virginia) of NCHSAA 3A state champion East Lincoln; Shelby’s Jack Berkowitz (Elon) and Tyler Boyce (Wofford); as well as South Point’s Sullivan Absher (Notre Dame), Jackson Blee (William & Mary) and Hunter Jackson (Brevard).
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Here’s what signees Absher, Cutter and Haynes said after making their college plans official.
Sullivan Absher, South Point
"It’s a relief, but I know there are still a lot of things to do. I’m just excited to officially be part of the class and get to work. I’ve had Dec. 21 marked on my calendar forever; it couldn’t get here fast enough just because you have to cut out the other schools creeping in your ear. For me, after I made the decision (choosing Notre Dame) I was locked down. But before that, you got schools throwing potential NIL (name, image and likeness) deals and all that, and breaking out all the bells and whistles and rolling out the red carpet for you. But you really gotta look past that and think ‘what is it going to be like when I’m here as a player?’ Notre Dame did the best job at showing me the benefits I can get from there and what I can do as well."
Ben Cutter, East Lincoln
On signing with West Virginia
"It’s surreal actually. Today (West Virginia football) posted me (on its Twitter page). I already felt a part of it, but now I’m in it, the deal is sealed. It’s cool; I was sent the playbook and I’ll be studying that like crazy. It’s a great feeling. (At West Virginia) I feel like I’m wanted. A lot of teams will tell you stuff, and it really doesn’t make sense. But everything over there makes sense, and everyone treats you great. I just feel like I’m wanted. I’m going to miss (East Lincoln) a lot. Just the people around here. Just the relationships I’ve built, I’ve been here my whole life. When I was younger, I lived right up the street from the school, but now a little further away. It’s going to be sad leaving, not being able to see my boys everyday. But I’ll be back, I’ll come back to visit so it’ll be all good."
Cahari Haynes, Burns
On signing with Appalachian State
"I had a great time building relationships, but you know it all came down to (Appalachian State) and I’m happy with my choice. From the coaching staff to the personnel to the coaches treated me like family from the moment I stepped on campus to the moment I left − I knew that’s where I wanted to be. As I look back (on my four years) I had a good time and enjoyed every bit of it. It was great, I’m finally accomplishing my dreams of playing college ball. The job’s not finished, I have to keep going. Just knowing I left it all out there these past four years and just helped myself get better and everyone else get better; leaving my legacy here it just feels like I’ve accomplished a lot."
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: What Gastonia, Shelby football standouts said on early signing day
