Gaffney's Quinshad Davis signs his letter with North Carolina as his mother, Quinzettia Posey, and other family members look on during Wednesday's signing day ceremony. Unlike his teammates, Gaffney’s Quinshad Davis preferred to draw out his national signing day decision to build suspense.

With family and friends as well as many media members gathered nearby at the noon ceremony at the Gaffney High gym, Davis reached into his jacket to reveal a blue North Carolina hat.

Just like the hat, Davis said the Tar Heels were the perfect fit for him.

“With Carolina, I just felt good with the coaching staff and players,” Davis said.

The other finalists were Tennessee and Wake Forest.

Davis acknowledged the Tar Heels weren’t on his radar until new coach Larry Fedora was hired in December.

“When they got in the picture, I connected with them,” Davis said.

Gaffney High quarterback Joey Copeland signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play college football at S.C. State. He is pictured with his father, Joey Copeland Sr. and mother, Deceka Copeland. More specifically, Davis said he formed an immediate bond with North Carolina wide receiver coach Gunter Brewer, who has coached other big-time receivers like Justin Blackmon and Dez Bryant.

“He can take me to the next level,” Davis said.

Davis said he also liked the infectious enthusiasm of the entire North Carolina staff.

“Everybody is the same. They are excited about life,” Davis said.

Davis said he needs to add some strength in the weight room but expects to compete for playing time as a freshman.

Like the Indians, the Tar Heels run the spread. So, Davis said it won’t be difficult to learn the offense.

After the signing, Davis made a point to thank the Gaffney fans for their support, and hoped they would continue to follow his career at UNC.

Snoop Byers is shown with his family after signing a letter of intent to play at Presbyterian College. He is pictured with Shirley Littlejohn, grandmother; Shelia Byers, mother; Ashley Littlejohn, cousin; Ann Byers, aunt; and Robert Miller, grandfather. Davis, who was named a Parade All- American, led the Indians with 108 catches for 2,009 yards and 25 touchdowns.

He was also named to the Rivals High, MaxPreps, U.S. Air Force, Parade and Sports Illustrated High School All-American teams, as well as the Shrine Bowl and Offense- Defense Select all-star games.

Davis plans to major in business at North Carolina.

In addition to Quinshad Davis, five other Gaffney High football players will be taking their football careers to the next level.

Defensive end/linebacker Robert Grandy signed with Mars Hill after he made his official visit this past weekend.

Savon Dukes signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play middle linebacker at Lenoir-Rhyne. He is pictured with his parents, Clarence and Charlene Prysock. “I really enjoyed it,” Grandy said. “It’s a small college. I will get to know the professors. This will help me a lot in my goal to graduate.”

Grandy, who plans to major in information technology, plans to play outside linebacker at Mars Hill.

North-South All-Star selections Shonquille “Snoop” Byers and Edward Bigby are headed to Presbyterian College.

“It’s a great feeling. Presbyterian will give me a great education and has a good football program,” Byers said. “I will play cornerback at Presbyterian College for the first time since the tenth grade so I will need to work on my skills at the position.”

Gaffney High defensive lineman Edward Bigby signed a letter of intent Wednesday with Presbyterian College. He is pictured with his mother, Mary Bigby, and brother Jordan Shippy. Bigby will play on the defensive line for Presbyterian College. He plans to major in biology and will have four more years playing on the same defense with high school teammate Byers.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s a great program,” Bigby said. (Presbyterian College) is a small school, but they play some big games. It won’t be that much of a transition. It will be a higher level.”

Shrine Bowl quarterback Joey Copeland signed with South Carolina State, where he hopes to have a great football career like former Gaffney High standout quarterback Malcolm Long.

“It feels great to come to a decision,” Copeland said. “S.C. State is a great school. The education I’ll be getting is great, and the coaches are great.”

Gaffney High defensive end and linebacker Robert Grandy officially signed Wednesday to play college football at Mars Hill. He is pictured on national signing day with his sister, Tahlea Gaines, and grandmother, Mary Carr. Gaffney High linebacker Savon Dukes is thrilled to continue his playing career at Lenoir-Rhyne.

He plans to major in business management and received a full scholarship to play middle linebacker for the football team.