Four Quitman Panthers Sign With Mississippi Community Colleges, Continue Careers

Four Quitman Panthers signed collegiate football agreements on December 11, committing to Mississippi community colleges as they complete high school and prepare to early enroll in January. Brytyavis Dear and Trey Ivy signed with Pearl River Community College. Caleb Johnson signed with Hinds Community College. De’Quavion Smith signed with Copiah Lincoln Community College. All four athletes are slated to graduate from Quitman in December.

The signings represent an important milestone for Quitman High School and the broader county community. Community college programs frequently serve as development platforms where student athletes can continue their education, face stronger competition, and position themselves for transfer to four year universities. For a small school in rural Mississippi, multiple signings in one cycle highlight the football program's capacity to prepare players for the next level both on the field and in the classroom.

Players spoke about the personal meaning of their commitments and the recruiting process. Brytyavis Dear said, "It means a lot. Coming from Quitman, a lot of people don’t make it out of here. So, the good coaches, man. Like, it showed me, like, it was love, putting love there, feels like home." Trey Ivy added, "It’s just I’m really a blessing. I’m really, I’m very excited, very excited. You know, Pearl River, they would have just jumped on me real hard. It just felt like home when I got down there. So, that’s how I decided my decision."

Caleb Johnson described his reasons for choosing Hinds, saying, "Not so long ago, I went to visit, and I just love the culture. I think they’re building something really good. I like the culture, really, and the defense. It’s like one of the best in the state, points per game, stuff like that. It’s just something I really want to be part of. I’m so excited. Spent 4 years here. Now I feel like I can play some better competition now and like really prove myself." De’Quavion Smith said of Copiah Lincoln, "I’m very excited. I feel like they can get me to a university. The coaches, my bond with the coaches, they treated me well. They recruited me hard. I love it. When I went on a visit, I loved it."

Local officials and residents see these signings as a community achievement that can boost school morale and draw positive attention to Quitman. As the athletes transition to college classrooms and rosters in January, their progress will be one measure of the local program’s ability to deliver academic and athletic advancement for Quitman students. Congratulations to the Panthers on continuing their academic and athletic success at the collegiate level.