Very few high school football players get to take their talents to the college level. In order to advance to the college ranks players have to have the right combination of size, speed, intelligence and exposure to be scouted out and recruited for college football teams. Poplarville High School had several athletes who made the cut this past year and will be moving on to college campuses.

Chandler Norris signed with Pearl River Community College and will be joined by two of his teammates Zac Owen and Devin Hart.

KJ Hart signed with Southwest Mississippi Community College along with teammate Chase Shears.

The athletes are seeing their hard work pay off after years of work in the weight room and on the field.

“We’re super proud of the guys to get to play because only a small percentage get to play at the next level,” Head Coach Jay Beech said.

Not only did the athletes perform well on the field and meet the physical requirements asked of the colleges, but the players also took care of business in the classroom. Beech said the signees were able to stay the course over the years and are now seeing the fruits of their labor. “You have to be committed, dedicated, have good grades and things like that. If you do all that you will have an opportunity,” Beech said. Beech said this year’s signing class was of average size for the Hornets.

Pumping out talent on a yearly basis shows other players they can make it as well.

The older players set an example for the younger athletes, so having them pursue their dreams of playing college football only reinforces the amount of work it takes to be successful.

“It gives the kids hope and lets them realize it is a good possibility if they work hard,” Beech said.

Beech said he wants to make sure his program is doing everything it can to allow players to reach their full potential.

Whether it is on the field, or in the classroom, Beech wants his players to be prepared for life after high school.

The fact that every year multiple athletes sign with colleges is a testament to the program and its ability to inspire athletes to chase their dreams. “We want them to reach their full potential in speed, size and mental toughness, so when they get this opportunity they’re ready,” Beech said.