By CURTIS ROCKWELL

Item Sports Editor

National Signing Day in prep and college football circles is probably more anticipated than any recognized holiday each year.

And for six Pearl River County gridiron standouts, Wednesday’s happenings probably rank ahead of any type of Christmas gift any of them ever received.

Four players from Picayune and two from Pearl River Central signed scholarships to play on the next level, including four with four year schools.

For Picayune, defensive lineman Jon Billups and versatile Reggie Bailey both signed with Jackson State University while defensive back T’Darryl Grays inked with Southeastern Louisiana University.

Also, Pearl River Central defensive lineman Travis Landry signed with Delta State University.

And the Maroon Tide and Blue Devils each had one player apiece sign juco deals, as Picayune wide receiver Chris Nixon signed with Pearl River CC and PRC offensive lineman Alan Smith signed with Hinds CC.

Follow-up stories on all of the local signees will appear over the next few days in the sports section of the Picayune Item. Also, state and national coverage of signing day will be included as well over the next few days.