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Signing roundup Feb. 8
Spann, Conrad, Burris sign intent letters
Opposing players have found out how hard it was to budge Greg Spann.
Turns out the Jacksonville High lineman was just as staunch when deciding which college he would attend.
Spann, the Cardinals mammoth 6-foot-3, 325-pound senior, signed a National Letter of Intent Wednesday to attend Fayetteville State where he will join the Broncos football program.
“I was mainly focused on Fayetteville,” Spann said of his decision. “I’d been up there a couple of weekends, they had been showing me around and showing me their program. I just really liked it.”
Spann repeatedly cited academics as a strong influence in picking Fayetteville, a small Division II school that plays in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
“I’m trying to get the best for my education,” he said. “They were (consistently) talking about education. … showing me all the tudoring stuff I could do; because I can’t play if my grades aren’t right.
“I know I can’t do this forever.”
Spann will join the Broncos, who went 4-6 last season, as an offensive lineman and could see playing time as a freshman.
“Just trying to make myself known,” he said of his goals once he gets to Fayetteville. “I just want to make a big impact.”
Jacksonville head coach Ben Marsh thinks Spann made the right choice.
“I think that’s an outstanding fit for him, I think he’ll do well,” Marsh said. “I think Greg’s the type of guy that once he gets in a college weight program and year-round conditioning there’s no telling how good he can be.”
Spann, the 18-year-old son of Yvonne Carter and Ricky Dobson, foresees studying computer science while also mentioning engineering.
“I just like fixing stuff, just working on stuff,” he said. “I’d just like to thank everybody at Fayetteville for helping me out and getting me there. And I’d like to thank my mom for pushing me.”
[] Caleb Conrad to ASU: Since attending soccer camp at Appalachian State a few years ago, Swansboro goalkeeper Caleb Conrad had his heart set on playing for the school in Boone.
On Wednesday morning he made his dream into reality when he signed his National Letter of Intent to play for the Division I Mountaineers.
“It felt great and I was so ecstatic I couldn’t wait because it’s a great place,” said Conrad, the son of Kathi Conrad. “My mom has been my biggest help and without her I would not be close to coming to Appalachian State.”
North Carolina-Charlotte and High Point were the only other in-state schools he considered. And while the possibility of playing time was a reason in his decision, Conrad also acknowledged that he felt comfortable with the Appalachian State environment.
“The coaches are great,” he said. “I know the students on the team have an average of a 3.2 GPA, so the academics are great.
“They stress getting it done with the grades and on the field.”
Conrad will be tested early. He said the position of starting goalkeeper is up for grabs between himself and another freshman. He will have plenty of opportunities to separate himself from his competitor.
“We are supposed to split time and it will be a battle” said Conrad. “I am always up for a challenge and I will work hard to earn a spot.”
He anticipates improving his game in order to enter practice well prepared.
“I need to work on speed,” said Conrad. “Just keep training and keep my fitness level up.”
As a senior Conrad was instrumental in Swansboro claiming the East Central 2-A Conference title and earning its second consecutive trip to the NCHSAA 2-A East Regional final. Individually, Conrad recorded 12 shutouts and his efforts helped land him a spot in the first team of The Daily News all-area team.
Conrad hopes to carry on the winning ways to the Mountaineers, who last season went 6-10-3 overall and 2-4 in the Southern Conference.
“They will be pretty young,” he said.
[] Rhashawn Burris to Livingstone: It appears as if Northside’s Rhashawn Burris can learn things rather quickly.
How else could one explain him earning a spot on a college football team after playing the sport in high school for just one season?
Nonetheless, Burris will continue his academics and football at Division II Livingstone College in Salisbury after signing his intent of letter on Wednesday.
“I was very excited,” he said. “I know it is a smaller school and it gives me a good opportunity to play and also get my school work done.”
Campbell, Elizabeth City State and Winston-Salem State were other places Burris considered.
“When I talked to the coaches on my visit there about three weeks ago at Livingstone I felt right at home,” recalled Burris, the son of Selvie and Deanna Burris. “Coach told me they are trying to build a program and they he would try to work me into the starting lineup.”
Northside head coach Bob Eason was pleasantly surprised at Burris’ quick adjustment and thinks he has the tools to contribute at the next level.
“This is the only year he’s played organized football … and he did a good job,” “He’s tall, rangy, got good speed. I think he’ll be able to compete for playing time right away.
“He’s just a smart kid and he’s a good listener and that makes a big difference. … I think Livingstone got a diamond in the rough.”
Burris also plans on competing on the track and field team and will prefer to run the 200-meter dash and the 800. He also looked into playing basketball for the Blue Bears of the CIAA, but was told football and hoops overlapped too much.
But that doesn’t mean Burris still isn’t thrilled. After all, its likely a year ago he had no clue a college football career would be possible.
“Some guys on the team wanted me to come out and I thought it wouldn’t hurt,” recalled Burris. “After I scored my first touchdown in a game against Clinton, (I realized this was for me.)”
The Blue Bears last season were 0-10.
