Sutton heads group of five Jenkins football signees
By donning a South Carolina cap and signing his name, Chaz Sutton became a Gamecock.
Sutton became the fifth and final Jenkins High School senior to sign a letter of intent Wednesday to play college football next year. After days of indecision, Sutton decided to go play for Steve Spurrier at South Carolina.
Running back Franklin Green signed to play at Georgia Southern, while linebacker Darius Brown and offensive lineman Arkeen Riley both signed on to play at Albany State, and offensive lineman Eugene Soloman will attend Bethune-Cookman.
"We went through a lot of ups and downs," Sutton said. "The fact that we all signed scholarships today, it's a pretty big deal."
Sutton joined South Carolina a little more than a week after Florida, to whom Sutton had verbally committed, withdrew a scholarship offer.
With other schools still interested, Sutton could have waited to make a decision. Instead he chose to sign on the first day recruits can sign the legally binding paperwork.
"I could have waited and taken my time, but I wanted to get it over with," he said. "And I also get to go to a place closer to home and (is) the right fit, and play for a legendary coach."
Minutes after Sutton signed his papers, South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier called the 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end to welcome him to the Gamecocks.
Sutton said the coaching staff sees him playing right away in a situational role.
"They call it DPR - designated pass rusher," Sutton said. "Come third down, I can go in there and make something happen."
The role suits Sutton because of his speed getting around the offensive line. In his senior season, he had 70.5 combined tackles, including 22 sacks.
Jenkins coach Tim Adams said he was impressed with South Carolina's persistence.
"They've been with him since day one," Adams said.
Sutton said South Carolina made him feel wanted.
"When I verbally committed to Florida, (the Gamecocks) stuck with me through the whole process," he said "(They said), 'Chaz, how are your grades going? Are you doing this? Are you making yourself better? How are you doing on your SAT?'
"That helped me a lot to make my decision to go to South Carolina."
Green picks GSU
Minutes before Sutton's signing, Green officially joined the Eagles.
The Greater Savannah Offensive Player of the Year the past two seasons, Green was the area's most explosive offensive threat. He compiled 1,663 yards this year and scored 21 touchdowns. For his career he rushed for more than 5,000 yards.
The 5-11, 200-pound Green also committed to Florida only to see the Gators later drop out.
"It's a lot of weight off my shoulders," he said. "No more talking about where I'm going to school, where I'm going to sign."
Riley, a 6-4, 285-pounder, said the Golden Rams were the best fit for him.
"I felt like it was like home, and that's where I feel comfortable," he said.
Brown piled up 78 combined tackles last year, including 14 tackles for loss. He also recovered four fumbles.
Soloman could have made it a trio of Warriors at Albany State, but decided instead to sign at Bethune-Cookman.
See more at http://savannahnow.com
