One of the best football prospects in Calhoun County will remain in the area.
Rollie Pinto, a wide receiver for Piedmont High, declared on social media on Wednesday that he had committed to Jacksonville State.
Pinto chose the Gamecocks over offers from Samford, West Alabama, Navy, Kennesaw State, UAB, and North Alabama.
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Pinto finished the previous season with an AHSAA-record 1,826 receiving yards, 22 touchdowns, and 428 yards and four scores while running for the Bulldogs.
He was selected to the Class 3A first team all-state squad and was a finalist for the Class 3A Back of the Year award from the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
In addition to his single-season receiving record, Pinto recorded 250 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-27 victory over Class 4A runner-up Cherokee County last season, tying for second in the single-game receiving record with 20.
Before losing to eventual Class 3A state champion Mars Hill Bible, Piedmont finished 13-1 last season and advanced to its seventh quarterfinal in ten seasons.
In further hiring-related news:
COMMITMENTS
Andrevius Smith Jr., a tight end and athlete from Dale County, announced his decision on Saturday and also committed to Jacksonville State. He chose the in-state Gamecocks over Liberty, Mercer, and North Alabama on his final selection.
OFFERS
Thompson QBTrent Seaborn declared that Clemson had extended an offer.
Miami, Oregon, Washington, and most SEC schools, including Alabama and Auburn, have also sent offers to the 6-1, 180-pound, 4-star junior.
Recruiting news was announced by two Mary G. Montgomery players.Three colleges remain on Devin Pettway’s shortlist, and Kaleb Morris accepted an offer.
Previously committed to Jax State, the 6-2, 215-pound 3-star linebacker Pettway will select between Tulane, Louisiana, and the in-state Gamecocks.
Miami just extended an offer to Morris, who had previously committed to Mississippi State. In addition, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, UAB, and others extended offers to the 3-star 6-4, 260-pound defensive end.
UNA offered Jaden McKenzie-Riversof Tallassee. Southern Miss has also extended a D1 offer to the 5-9, 170-pound ATH.
Mars Hill Bible tight endNorth Alabama sent an offer to Matthew McIntyre. The 2027 prospect had offers from Troy, UAB, and UT Martin and was a member of the Class 3A state championship team the previous season.
Park Crossing’s Maliyah Meeks received an offer from Cal State Fullerton to play basketball. The 6-foot-2 power forward/center has also received offers from Florida A&M, Coppin State, Jackson State, and NC Central.
A Division I offer was given to Hoover’s Aliyah Blanchard for Tulane. Last season, the Bucs selected the Class 7A state champion to their first team all-state.
Dennis Victory, a sports reporter, helped write this report.
