Weekend visits were enough to clarify the future for two area prep football players who committed to Ohio Valley Conference programs.
Howard receiver Chris Deloney committed to Tennessee State University and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe running back LaGreg Burns pledged to sign with Eastern Kentucky next Wednesday on national signing day.
Deloney proved his versatility by playing a variety of positions during his Howard career. But Hustlin’ Tigers coach Alvin Tarver is eager to see what the three-year starter can do at the next level, concentrating on one position.
During a weekend visit to Tennessee State University, Deloney was told he would get the chance to contribute early as a receiver. He liked the idea enough to commit to new TSU head coach Rod Reed.
“TSU knows they just got a real steal,” Tarver said. “He has a great opportunity to make an impact right away as a receiver there. He had to play all over the field for us, but I think once he’s able to learn just one position, there’s no telling how good he can be.
“He’s an awesome athlete — one of the best leapers I have ever seen, so he’ll be a weapon near the goal line. I’m expecting really big things from him at the next level.”
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Deloney, who has been a two-year starter in basketball and played linebacker and safety at Howard, had more than 350 receiving yards and also became the team’s emergency quarterback last season. He said he liked what new TSU head coach Rod Reed has planned for him at receiver. He will join former Howard linebacker Rico Council as well as former Baylor linebacker Sydney Tarver, son of Coach Tarver, on the TSU roster.
“I liked everything about my visit,” Deloney said. “The atmosphere around the program, the new coaching staff and the fact that it’s close enough to home that my family can come watch my games. Plus I like the fact that I already knew a few of the players up there. That should help me adjust.
“It felt real good once I told the coaches and knew for sure where I would be signing. They really like what I can do as a receiver, so I’m excited. I’ll be wearing a different color jersey, but at TSU I’m still a Tiger.”
Burns, a 5-10, 195-pounder, rushed for 1,159 yards and 16 touchdowns last season for LFO’s Warriors. He was a second-team All-North Georgia selection.
“I really liked the coaches. They seemed like they will take care of me,” Burns said of the staff at the Richmond, Ky., school. “They showed me a good time this weekend, and I felt very comfortable there.”
Burns said he plans to redshirt this coming season and will be in the mix for playing time the following season after the Colonels graduate three running backs.