Local football players sign themselves to the next level

The time has come for high level football players to sign themselves off to the next chapter in their lives. 

Early football signing day took place Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Friday, Dec. 5, and the high school athletes will graduate early in December and enroll themselves in their respective universities to begin spring training with the colleges. 

West Orange High School recognized two student athletes who are continuing their football careers at the Division I level on the first day of early signing. Defensive back Devonte Anderson signed himself to Rutgers, and safety Chakai Scott is going to California State University, Sacramento.

Photo by Megan Bruinsma

“As a kid, I wasn’t dreaming of this because football wasn’t my first love,” Scott said, referring to his first love of soccer. “But as I got into football, coming into high school, I knew I wanted to go forward with it.” 

He’s now honored to become one of the top high school athletes and for positioning himself to further his career among top college football players.

Anderson was a highly sought after player, he had narrowed down his list to eight schools including Auburn, Maryland, Michigan State, University of Miami and Iowa. He initially committed to the University of Louisville, but he switched his commitment to Rutgers Sunday, Nov. 30. 

Photo by Megan Bruinsma

“The genuine love and showing that I have another home to go to,” Anderson said of his decision to go to Rutgers. 

Head coach Geno Thompson said it was a special moment for him to celebrate Anderson and Scott’s accomplishments. He became West Orange’s head coach four years ago and the pair were a part of the first football class. 

“I’m super proud of them and I’m going to be excited about being able to watch them on Saturdays,” he said. 

Over the four years, Anderson and Scott saw their relationship grow with Thompson, especially through the good and bad times during the seasons. Scott said the team’s bond grew immensely during the 3-7 season.

“He just made us understand we got what our teammates don’t so we got to step up,” Scott said. “He put us and allowed us to get in a position to lead the team.”