Brayden Hellums, a center defensive mid for the Center Hill High School boys soccer team, signed Nov. 30 to play soccer for Itawamba Community College.

“I want to thank you all for supporting me,” Hellums said with his teammates looking on. “Y’all are an amazing team and I’m thankful I can call y’all family.”

Andrew Yeoman, Hellums’ coach, called Hellums an “unbelievable defensive player.”

“One of the things he does best is lockdown defense and manipulates the opponent,” Yeoman said. “He was one of the few players that started as a freshman. We won our first division title in his sophomore year. He sets a great example for the younger guys.”

CHHS administrators also praised Hellums.

“He is a fierce defender,” said Assistant Principal Brenda Case, who is often on the sidelines cheering for the Mustangs. “He does such a great job and is such a good defender.”

Principal Doug Payne agreed.

“Intense is a way I would describe him,” Payne said. “We’re very proud of you and so is your family and coach.”

Hellums is the second senior to sign with ICC this year. Jacob Wilkerson, a left back for the Mustangs, signed to play for the Indians Nov. 7.