Signing Day: Buford's Hunter, Pridemore bound for 'The Swamp'

BUFORD -- There were no surprises Wednesday morning at Buford High as 12 prep stars signed letters of intent on National Signing Day.

Seniors Omar Hunter and T.J. Pridemore highlighted the Wolves senior class -- which had nine players receive athletic scholarships -- by signing with the University of Florida. Other signees included Demetris Murray, who will be attending South Florida and Melvin Hill, who will play for Ole Miss.

"This felt wonderful," said Hunter, who had been at the center of an intense late recruiting battle after de-committing from the University of Notre Dame in December. "It was great getting the pressure off my shoulders and making it official."

Hunter, a top-rated defensive tackle, committed to the Gators on Jan. 23 but had also entertained an offer from the University of Georgia.

Meanwhile, Pridemore -- who originally committed to Georgia Tech before the Yellow Jackets fired coach Chan Gailey -- was pleased that he'll be making the trip to "The Swamp" with his teammate.

"He and I going down there together is just unbelievable," Pridemore said. "The recruiting process has been overwhelming at times. But Florida's a great place. And I really love the way they do things down there. It's a unique place."

The Wolves' seniors represented just a handful of area high school athletes taking the next step on National Signing Day, including numerous stars from Hall County.

Many of those players will be honored this afternoon at Gainesville's Longstreet Cafe in a ceremony held by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Area athletes will begin arriving at Longstreet at 2:30 p.m.

The following Buford students signed letters on Wedndesday morning (athletes listed alphabetically):

-- Nicole Bell, softball, Wallace Community College
-- Kody Case, football, Valdosta State
-- Melvin Harris, football, Ole Miss
-- Alex Hunt, football, Indiana
-- Omar Hunter, football, Florida
-- Andy Kellogg, football, Shorter
-- J.J. Miller, football, Wofford
-- Demetris Murray, football, South Florida
-- Maria Petroni, soccer, South Carolina
-- T.J. Pridemore, football, Florida
-- Ashley Razey, softball, Southern Mississippi
-- JayTee Swanson, football, Miami (Ohio)

This year marks one of the largest crops of area prep stars to make the jump to the next level.