Chris Rias made sure of one thing after he signed a letter-of-intent on National Signing Day on Feb. 6 at J.Z. George High School.
He took time to thank those closest to him.
“I couldn't have done this without my mom and dad. They have been my biggest supporters," said Rias of his mother, Geraldine, and father, Chris Rias Sr. "They have been at every game supporting me."
Rias signed with Copiah-Lincoln Community College last week. Co-Lin head coach Glenn Davis projects Rias as a rushing defensive end. He played defensive end and tight end at J.Z. George.
"Chris has a lot of intangibles with long arms and big hands. He's a very hard worker. He still has a lot of development to do. He needs to get in the weight room and get stronger and bigger, but the coaches at Co-Lin feel like they can develop him into a very good player," said J.Z. George head coach Ben Burton.
"Chris comes off the ball well. He made some plays for us because of his work ethic. Co-Lin is getting a young man who is going to work hard for them."
Rias said he also had offers from Mississippi Delta, Coahoma and East Mississippi.
"I felt like I was part of the family when I took my visit," Rias added. "My goal is to go down there and earn myself a Division I scholarship.
"My time at J.Z. George has gone by so quick. I appreciate everything Coach Burton and the other coaches have done for me."
Rias said he plans on majoring in diesel mechanics.
