TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Wednesday was the final day of the early signing period, and athletes in Tallahassee, took full advantage of it. At Godby High School, guard Quan Jackson inked a basketball scholarship with Georgia Southern.
Jackson helped lead the Cougars to a perfect 31-0 mark en route to last year's Class 4A State Championship, where he was named MVP for the State Tournament.
Jackson has over 1,000 career points, and of the big day? He's excited to have the opportunity to play at the next level.
"It's close to home, and I really respected all the coaches and the players," he said. "I felt like when I visited, I felt like a freshman with them and it really took my heart. Like coach said before, it's a free education, and I'm ready for the next step in my life."
At Tallahassee Community College, basketball standout Daishon Smith signed with powerhouse Wichita State. The Shockers made the Final Four in 2013, and Smith said he's ready to join such an elite program.
"Growing up, I dreamed of signing Division I, and for it to be Wichita State, an NCAA contender team is a great milestone," he said Wednesday. "Work hard, you never know hard work will get you. Stay humbled, keep working, you can end up anywhere."
At Chiles High School, the Timberwolves decided on one big group signing, where four different athletes, from four different sports signed scholarships with four different schools.
Devan Hultquist signed a beach volleyball scholarship with Florida State, while baseball player Tate Hagan inked with the University of Dayton.
Brandon Chason, a swimmer, put pen to paper with Gardner-Webb, and Isabella Dewell signed a soccer scholarship with Florida Southern.
Maclay baseball standout Max McKinley will continue his career with the College of Charleston, as he signed Wednesday at the school.
College of Charleston made an appearance in the Tallahassee Regional last year, and McKinley said he's ready for a chance to compete with such a promising program.
"I'm unbelievably excited," he said. "I've been blessed with a great opportunity and I hope I can make the most of it. Being part of Charleston, there'll be nothing like it. I don't even have the words to say. I'm just so excited!"
McKinley, a pitcher, sat down 90 batters in 68 innings of work last season, boasting a 1.23 ERA while allowing just 13 walks.
