AHOSKIE – Four young men made their college choices official Wednesday morning.

Hertford County High School’s Alexander Anthony, Domonic Everett, Demetrius Jenkins and Will Simmons signed National Letters of Intent during National Signing Day for football.

Anthony will attend Fayetteville State University, Simmons is headed to East Carolina University and Jenkins and Everett will suit up for Campbell University.

“These four young men have been a joy to work with,” said HCHS football boss Diego Hasty. “They do everything you ask on the field and off.

“Not only that, but they are all above a 3.0 academically,” he added. “They make you proud. These guys are future leaders.”

Will Simmons

Simmons was recruited by a variety of in-state schools including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and N.C. State, but chose the Pirates.

“I chose East Carolina because of the coaches, it was close to home and it felt like home,” he said.

He said playing at Hertford County had been something he enjoyed and learned from.

“Playing here at HCHS, I have learned what hard work means,” Simmons stressed. “I have also learned the definition of family while playing beside my brothers (teammates).”

Simmons, the son of Thomas and Lorrie Simmons, will play on the offensive line at East Carolina. He was a four-year starter for the Bears.

“I think Will is a perfect fit for East Carolina,” Hasty said. “He’s an eastern North Carolina person with hard-working values and that’s what they wanted. He will put the time in be a good lineman for them.”

When he enrolls at East Carolina, Simmons said he would major in physical therapy with a minor in business.

“Like many athletes, I just want to succeed and be the best,” he said.

Demetrius Jenkins

Jenkins selected Campbell University from a list that also included North Carolina A&T University, Chowan University, North Carolina Central University and Elizabeth City State University.

“I chose Campbell due to the fact that I felt as though I was home at the school,” Jenkins said. “Also, their program seems to be on the up-and-up. It really feels like a place I can go and learn the game of football even more than I did at Hertford County.”

Jenkins said he will major in Criminal Justice when he reaches Campbell. He will play nose guard for the Camels just as he did for the Bears.

The senior said he felt he had garnered much from playing at Hertford County High School.

“Hertford County really taught me technique and how to work together as a team, because as Coach Hasty says often in practice, Hertford County is the heart, meaning it’s a brotherhood for life.”

His coach said he will be an asset to the Camels.

“He has the size and strength to play,” Hasty said. “He works hard and is strong academically. His footwork fools people because of his stature.”

Jenkins is the son of Jeffrey and Marietta Jenkins.

Domonic Everett

Everett chose Buies Creek for a myriad of reasons, personal, football and academic.

“I chose Campbell because it is a small school and they have a good pharmacy program,” he said. “It is not too far from home and even though the team isn’t that good, it will get better as the years go on.”

Everett will be playing Defensive End for the Camels and will likely lock horns with Jenkins in practice, a fact he said is something he likes.

“Another advantage I will have at CU is that I will be playing alongside my teammate, D.J.,” he said. “He will make me feel like I’m at HCHS again.”

Hasty said Everett is a hard-working player who gives his all.

“Dominic is dedicated and will do anything on the field – play offensive line, defensive line, long snap, whatever,” Hasty said. “He is a true pleasure to coach.”

Playing for the Bears was important for Everett.

“I learned that your teammates are your brothers and you have to be there for them and I also learned many skills and techniques that have made me better,” he said.

Everett is the son of Claudia Weaver.

Alexander Anthony

Fayetteville State won Anthony’s commitment over East Carolina, North Carolina A&T, Campbell, Elon and a few other schools.

“I chose FSU because of the overall feel of the campus,” he said. “It’s not too big or too far away from home. I also liked the coaches.”

Anthony said he feels what he learned while playing at HCHS will help him as he works as an interior lineman for the Broncos.

“I learned great technique and aggressiveness from my position coaches, Coach Paul Moore and Coach Demetrius Lassiter,” he said. “I learned the meaning of family playing along with my line brothers and other teammates.”

Anthony said he will major in Criminal Justice at FSU and hopes that will lead him into a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The senior came back from injury this season and Hasty said he did extremely well.

“He retooled himself after injury,” Hasty said. “He came back stronger and with better abilities.”

Anthony is the son of Yevette Anthony.