MEADVILLE — Bobby O’Quinn found out he’ll have plenty of familiar faces around him when he plays college football.
O’Quinn signed a football scholarship with Copiah-Lincoln Community College on Wednesday, the first day high-school seniors are eligible to sign college letters of intent.
O’Quinn was one of four Franklin County Bulldogs to ink with the Co-Lin Wolves for the 2010 season. A 5-foot-11, 250-pound All-State defensive lineman for Franklin County, O’Quinn helped the Bulldogs to a 10-4 record this season and a berth into the third round of the Class 3A state playoffs.
“I’m ready to get started,” O’Quinn said. “The way I look at it, is that it’s another level for me. My goal is to make it the NFL, and this is one step closer.”
Also signing a football scholarship was senior linebacker Tevin Thomas, who inked with Northwestern State (La.), after flirting with the prospect of signing an offer with Co-Lin.
Thomas will join former Franklin County product D.J. Shaw on the Deacons’ roster.
Franklin County High two-sport standout DeHendret Collins signed a double scholarship with Co-Lin in football and baseball.
Collins, a fleet-footed outfielder, has attracted interest from several professional baseball teams, including the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. He could be selected in the upcoming Major League Baseball Amateur Draft in June. He also left open the possibility of signing with a bigger college in baseball if offered.
“If I get a Division I offer in baseball, I’ll probably sign it,” said Collins, who has received interest from Southern Miss, Alcorn State and Southern University. “I really couldn’t make my mind up about which sport I wanted to play at Co-Lin, so I signed in both. We’ll see what happens.”
Linebacker LaDarrious Hunt sported a big grin as he signed with the Wolves. His cousin, Frank Hunt, also joined him by pledging to Co-Lin. Both are expected to enroll at the school this summer.
“Time to separate the men from the boys,” Frank Hunt said. “I’m looking forward to playing at the college level.”
The Hunt bloodline is strong at Co-Lin. Frank’s older brother, Bobby Lee, starred at defensive back for the Wolves in 1998 and 1999, earning All-State and All-American honors.
Current Co-Lin linebacker Jordan Hunt is a freshman on the team and cousin to each.
“It’s going to be fun playing with these boys again,” O’Quinn said. “I know we’ve got some Franklin County boys already up there and some more are on the way.”
