Stallions' Williams, Harris; Cardinals' Knapp sign

 A pair of Stallions and a Cardinal have made plans to play their respective sports at the next level.

Southwest High football players Jamaal S. Williams and Brandon Harris and Jacksonville High baseball player Greg Knapp recently let their intentions to play college sports be known.

Williams will join the gridiron team at Louisburg, Harris will play football at Johnson C. Smith and Knapp will play baseball at Southeastern Community College.

Each also considered other schools, but their final choice was the best fit.

Williams to Louisburg: Williams signed last month after considering East Carolina and N.C. State for track and field.

Yet, the desire to play football helped lead to the decision to sign with the junior college Hurricanes.

"This is a better opportunity to get recognized and hopefully transfer to Division I," said Williams. "I also liked the fact this campus is really small and the coaches are down to earth."

Williams, 18, the son of Kevin Williams and Linda Burney, anticipates a challenging transition from high school to college athletic terms.

"Learning the audibles and plays won't be easy," he said. "They also gave us a package (for working out), meaning I have to continue to lift weights and run a whole."

From there, Williams looks to contribute quickly as a running back.

"I think my speed and hard running is my strength," said Williams. "Also, when I see my team down I try to bring them up."

Harris to Johnson C. Smith: Harris also considered Catawba, Elizabeth City State, N.C. Wesleyan and Western Carolina, but chose the school in Charlotte because of what it offered in academics.

"I liked the education program in technology," he said the 19-year-old son of Illya and Felesia Burke. "I also really like the football program and I am very happy and excited to show what I can do."

Harris looks to contribute as a defensive back. He has been training to prepare for his time with the Golden Bulls.

"I have been running and working out and staying hard on the weights," Harris said.

That sort of attitude is what has carried Harris to success.

"I can bring my good attitude, hard work and dedication to this team," he said. "I would say I am motivated and ready to get the job done, no matter what it takes."

Knapp to SCC: Knapp, a shortstop, signed with Southeastern Community College to play for head coach Scott Johnson, a former Jacksonville skipper. 

"The fact Coach Johnson was my previous coach led to my decision," explained Knapp. "We were very close and he was like a father figure, the way he looked out for me."

Knapp, though, can still back out and catch on with another school.

"To be honest, I am still looking and if someone offers me a better deal ... I signed, but it's still up in the air," Knapp said. "I guess when I talk to Coach Johnson that will be the final word."

The speedy Knapp knows what he can bring to SCC.

"Were ever coach wants me, I will do my best to help the team," said the 18-year-old son of Robin and Leslie Knapp. "My glove is probably the best part of my game (other than speed) but it also helps to be quick so you can get a good jump on the ball.

"My awareness, though, needs to improve and I need to work on the glove a little more because you can never stop getting better."