By Erik Harris, sports editor
PINSON — The early signing period has begun for college football prospects across the country, and four such standouts were recognized at Pinson Valley High School on Wednesday morning in the school’s auditorium.
Just 12 days after claiming the program’s third state title with a 23-13 decision over Spanish Fort, first-year head coach Sam Shade congratulated four of his top seniors on their opportunity to play at the next level.
“This decision you’re making is a four- or five-year decision as far as college, but in actuality I call it a 40-year decision, because it’s going to affect the next 40 years of your life as far as that education that you’re going to get and the people that you’re going to meet,” said Shade to his four players on stage Wednesday. “You guys know this, because I’ve got friends I went to college with almost 25 years ago that came to games this season, supported us, supported me and supported you guys — that’s why it’s important.”
Pinson Valley’s 2020 list of early signees includes Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry (Alabama), Julian Peterson (Troy), Kenji Christian (Virginia Tech) and Rayvon Crum (North Texas).
Principal Mike Turner opened up the signing ceremony by congratulating the 2021 class for being the winningest football class in Jefferson County history.
“I’m so incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished and the foundation that you’ve left as the absolute most winningest class in not only Pinson Valley history, but the history of Jefferson County football,” said Turner.
McKinstry, the state’s top-rated recruit and No. 1 corner in America, signed his NLI to the University of Alabama, where he committed in October. The 5-star prospect pulled MVP honors for his game-winning TD grab in the Class 6A state championship game on Dec. 4 and followed with another MVP nod last weekend at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic after recording two interceptions, including a pick-6.
Peterson, a defensive lineman, honored his longtime pledge to Troy University on Wednesday. Peterson thanked God, his parents, family, friends, teammates and coaches for supporting him throughout his journey.
Christian signs with Virginia Tech as a running back after pledging to the Hokies in August of this year. He says he plans on bringing the winning culture he’s helped establish at PVHS with him to Blacksburg, Va.
“I like winning,” said Christian. “I only lost like four times at Pinson, so I think we’re going to win (at Virginia Tech).”
Crum, a North Texas signee, has been a stalwart on the Indians offensive line for the last few years. The 6-foot-5 tackle says the Mean Green stood out during his recruitment process, based on their constant communication.
“They showed the most love out of anybody: They were sending me letters every day, texting me, calling me, so they stood out,” said Crum.
As a group, the Pinson Valley Class of 2021 went 50-6 with three state titles in its four years of play.