Pee Dee Academy football star signs with S.C. State

By: Naeem McFadden/Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise | SCNow
Published: February 07, 2008

This past Wednesday’s National Signing Day was highlighted with Pee Dee Academy football star Arnett James signing a letter of intent to play for the South Carolina State University Bulldogs. He joins head coach "Buddy" Pugh’s squad after a remarkable career playing football and basketball for the Golden Eagles.

At 6-3, 240 lbs, James adds to the college football program that received commitments from 16 players on signing day, a prospect at tight end or linebacker. "Arnett has shown himself to be one of the class athletes in this 2008 class," says coach Pugh, adding, "He is just beginning to show his all around potential. We think he may be the steal of our class." Working with a trainer to max out his conditioning, James improved throughout the years with coach Lon Spivey and the Golden Eagles.

“It was pretty wild. Going to all the different games, talking with different coaches, and coming down to one decision, it was exciting and I wouldn’t change it for nothing,” James said of the process, adding that he’s attended games at the school since the ninth grade.

Proud parents Arnett and Wanda James couldn’t hide their excitement at the media day frenzy that comes with the recruiting process, culminated in numerous interviews.

“We’re really excited about it. We’ve never experienced it ... this is our first born, so we’re just ecstatic,” Wanda James said, adding, “we think in terms of education he did get a great foundation here at Pee Dee Academy. We really do appreciate everyone that has given us support.”

Drawing interest from Clemson and Duke, it was his visit to the Orangeburg campus that was a big attraction, James said. With his locker already set-up and waiting for him, James said he felt he found a home at SCSU. "We feel we need to be mostly an in-state group of student athletes. It is important to not only recruit South Carolina kids, but also South Carolina towns to come and see their favorite sons play," Pugh said.

“I think he’s prepared to go on to the next level, both academically and in football. We wish him luck and think he will fit in well at South Carolina State,” his dad said.

For the full story, see the Feb. 13 issue of the Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise.

Pee Dee Academy football star signs with S.C. State

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