Clyburn leads area commitments

With the flick of his hand and the push of a button, P.J. Clyburn made his dream come true.

The longtime North Carolina Tar Heels fan faxed in his National Letter of Intent to Chapel Hill this morning, the first day football prospects could officially sign with a school.

A standout at West Iredell, Clyburn is the fourth Iredell County prospect — and second from West Iredell — to sign with an Atlantic Coast Conference school in the last four years.

"It was just a real big blessing," said Clyburn, who was one of six area athletes to officially sign. "I'm excited to be able to go to my dream school, and I have a lot of family, friends and coaches who supported me to thank."

Clyburn is a three-time selection to the R&L all county football team and was the R&L's county player of the year in 2009. He was voted to the Associated Press all-state team as a kick returner in 2008.

Clyburn made his mark on defense and special teams this year. As a linebacker, he racked up 65 tackles with four interceptions and two sacks despite teams avoiding him.

He was even better as a kick returner, averaging 40 yards per return with four touchdowns on just 14 chances.

"They are going to try me off at kickoff returns and see how I do," said Clyburn, who is expected to play linebacker for the Tar Heels. "I really don't know other than that. I wouldn't mind redshirting so I can learn the system and everything."

Four other high school seniors made their college intentions known, including three from Lake Norman.

The Wildcats dominated teams on the line of scrimmage en route to an 8-4 season last year, so it should come as no surprise that their three signees are all linemen.

Leading the way is offensive lineman Kane Sherrill, who committed to Wofford.

The Terriers and their funky Wingbone offense have been perennial contenders in the Southern Conference under head coach Mike Ayers.

"I really just liked everything about them," Sherrill said. "The coaching staff was great, the academics are great, the facilities are great. I'm really excited."

Sherrill had heavy interest from Wofford, which began early in his junior year. Sherrill took his official visit in January and received an offer a few days later.

A member of the 2009 Associated Press all-state team, Sherrill can play anywhere on the line and was recruited as a center.

"That could change, but it doesn't really matter to me," Sherrill said. "I'll play where they need me."
Joining Sherrill in inking scholarships were Chandler Caldwell and Avery Ekren.

An absolute force on the defensive line, Chandler signed with the University of Charleston (W.Va.).
A member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the Golden Eagles went 9-2 last season and play at the Division II level.

Ekren signed with Wingate University after blossoming as a senior. The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder was an all-county selection in 2009 and led the Wildcats in snaps played.

South Iredell linebacker Bryan Stewart picked up a late offer from Mars Hill and will join the Lions.

Coach Scott Miller took Stewart to an open tryout day in late January. Keeping their eyes on 80 prospects, members of the coaching staff thought enough of Stewart to offer him.

Statesville product Logan Feimster also officially signed his scholarship to play for Wake Forest.

Feimster graduated in 2009, but was issued a grayshirt. He enrolled at Wake in January 2010 and officially signed his scholarship Wednesday. He will be the long-snapper and provide depth along the offensive line.