MEADVILLE — National Signing Day hit the Class 3A StateChampion Franklin County Bulldogs in a big way Wednesday as eightBulldog football players signed letters of intent with theircollege choices.

“I’m happy everything is over with,” said Bulldog safety MikeHunt, who signed with Mississippi State University. His father,Mike Hunt Sr., and mother Torachel Hunt were by his side Wednesdaymorning at the Franklin High School Library. “I can’t wait to getup there at Mississippi State.”

Hunt a 6-foot-3, 210-pound safety, played a big part in FranklinCounty’s success this season. He picked off three passes and made92 tackles.

“I’m very excited for him (Mike),” said Bulldogs head coachGrady McCluskey. “He’s going to be playing in the best conferencein the nation next year and he’s getting his education paid for.Plus, he’s staying in state.”

Hunt is the second consecutive Bulldog to sign a Division Onescholarship. Last year, Quentin native Marcus Tillman signed withOle Miss.

Other Franklin County seniors also signed deals: Brandon Collinsand Cable McMinn with East Mississippi Community College. BothCollins and McMinn were recruited by Brookhaven native KelbyBowman, an assistant at East Mississippi C.C. in Scooba.

“We can’t wait to get them guys up here,” said Bowman. “Ourcoaching staff watched tape on them and we liked what we saw. Bothshould help us in a big way next year.”

Collins made 100 tackles and had 17 sacks as a quick-hittingdefensive end/linebacker for the Bulldogs in 2006. McMinn, a 6-2,250-pound offensive lineman, played a key role in blockingassignments for FCHS. Both were named to the Class 3A All-Statefirst team as well.

Signing with Copiah-Lincoln Community College were Bulldogplaymakers Preston Griffith and Gary Rogers. Griffith rushed for1,555 yards and 15 touchdowns last season at running back. Rogerspiled up 150 tackles at linebacker. Both chose Co-Lin over JacksonState and Alcorn State.

The Wolves also got scholarship letters from Bulldog offensivelineman Alvin Hunt, a two-year starter, and wide receiver/defensiveback Greg Hunt, a 6-4, 205-pound spark plug.

Franklin County jumbo offensive lineman Kane Carlock, a 6-5,325-pound tackle, signed with Gulf Coast Community College.

Former Bulldogs Sign

Bude native Jasper O’Quinn ended a late recruiting saga bysigning with Mississippi State University Wednesday afternoon atthe Copiah-Lincoln Community College football field house.

O’Quinn (5-11, 185), an All-State cornerback at Co-Lin hissophomore season picked the Bulldogs over late scholarship offersfrom nationally ranked Louisville, West Virginia, and IowaState.

“I committed to State in December and stuck with it,” saidO’Quinn. “I’m ready to get started up there.”

Co-Lin tight end DeAndre Davis, a 6-3, 240-pound Franklin Countynative, also chose the Division One route, signing with New MexicoUniversity. Davis caught two touchdown passes for the Wolves lastseason.

Soccer Dawgs

Co-Lin not only received four football signees out of FranklinCounty, but five soccer signings as well.

Franklin County Lady Bulldogs soccer stars Caroline Yarbroughand Beth Shell signed with the Lady Wolves. Boys team captains JoshDixon, Austin McCormick, and Ryan Ratcliff inked soccer deals withCo-Lin.

Yarbrough scored 34 goals this season for the Lady Bulldogswhile Ratcliff netted a state-best 43.