Potts Camp football signs record four student-athletes on national signing day
Potts Camp High School Cardinals football program signed a record four student athletes to play collegiate football Wednesday, Feb. 15. The players would have signed on the bi-annual National Signing day on Feb. 1 but had to postpone because of remnants from the ice storm on Jan. 31.
Peyton Aldridge signed a National Letter of Intent to play with the Mississippi Delta Community College of the National Junior College Athletic Association and Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference.
Aldridge, was selected by The South Reporter sports staff as the All-Area Most Outstanding Player in 2022, played quarterback, defensive back, and kick returner for the Cardinals. During his two years as the starting quarterback, he earned Mid- American Conference Class 2A All-State Honorable Mention Team, Region 1-2A Super 22 Quarterback twice, Daily Journal All-Area Team, Prep Redzone Preseason All- State Team, and set many Potts Camp offensive records.
“Peyton has a high ceiling. He can go to Moorehead and work hard and be their best quarterback or best wide receiver or best defensive back,” coach David Russo said. “He is that versatile athlete. I can’t wait to follow his career.”
“Peyton is a dynamic athlete at any position that adds value to any team. His leadership and knowledge of the game is impeccable and MDCC is lucky to be getting a kid like him,” Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Dance said.
Teammate Ryan Jones signed a Preferred Walk-On (PWO) agreement to join the Mississippi Delta Community College.
Jones, who was selected by The South Reporter Sports Staff as the All-Area Kick Returner, Punter, and Athlete in 2022, played running back, wide receiver, kick returner, punter, and defensive back for the Cardinals. Jones had an excellent senior season after transferring back from Atlanta, Georgia. He was named MAC Region 1-2A Super 22 Athlete in addition to his All-Area Season.
“Ryan is equally as versatile as Aldridge. He can excel at numerous positions on the field. I am glad he is getting this opportunity with the Trojans, as I believe his best football is in front of him,” coach Russo said. “Ryan adds value at multiple positions with his speed and size and strength,” coach Dance said. “He will be a contributor for MDCC in several positions. I'm so excited to see what he will do.”
Peyton Baldwin signed a National Letter of Intent to play with the Millsaps College Majors, an National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III school located in Jackson.
Baldwin, was selected by The South Reporter sports staff as the All-Area Defensive Back in 2022, played cornerback and wide receiver for the Cardinals. He had an excellent senior campaign, until his season was cut short by an ankle injury causing him to miss the final two Region 12A games.
“PB from day one made an instant impact,” coach Russo said. “He is a prototypical Cover 2 cornerback who is great in coverage and run support. I believe he can fight for early playing time with the Majors.”
Jeffrey Moore signed a National Letter of Intent to play with the Point University Skyhawks located in Point, Georgia.
Moore, who was selected by The South Reporter Sports staff as the All-Area Middle Linebacker and Long Snapper in 2022, played middle linebacker, H-Back, and long snapper for the Cardinals. He was named MAC Region 1-2A Super 22 Long Snapper and Middle Linebacker in addition to the All-Area team. Moore also led the Cardinals in tackles during his Senior Campaign.
“Jeffrey was relentless on the field. He is one of the most naturally gifted Long Snappers I've been around in my 22-Year Career,” coach Russo said. “Point is getting a good one who can challenge for the starting spot immediately.”
Coach Russo said that the four have a chance to use football to change their family trees and trajectories.
“I pray they will take full advantage of the opportunities they have earned,” coach Russo said. “These four as well as the other three seniors have laid an excellent foundation on which the Potts Camp Cardinals program can be built upon and taken to another level.”