Cullen Greer and Koy McFarland of Wesson want to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. Both seniors plan on careers in coaching and teaching after signing football scholarships Wednesday with Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Another local signee, Brookhaven running back Justin Blue, plans a future career in criminal justice and a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He signed yesterday with Southwest Mississippi CC.

Three players from Lawrence County also signed with Southwest. They are quarterback Nico McDonald, lineman J.D. McGruder and running back Glenn Russell, Jr.

“I’m glad and excited that I can continue playing football at Co-Lin,” said McFarland, a 5-foot-11, 160-pound slot back and wide receiver. “I feel blessed.”

He also plays basketball and baseball at Wesson.

McFarland’s father, Robert McFarland, came to Co-Lin last summer to coach the offensive line. He helped Coach Glenn Davis and his staff direct the Wolfpack to the MACJC State Championship.

McFarland said he plans to major in coaching and teach secondary education. His favorite NFL player is New England slotback Wes Welker.

Greer (6-1, 275), a 2-way lineman for the Wesson Cobras, was a 2-time MAC Class 2A All-State selection. He was selected to play in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Classic and helped the South defeat the North, working as an offensive guard.

“I’ll play wherever they need me,” said Greer. He hopes to land a starting job at center.

Greer had the opportunity to play for his father, Ronald Greer, this season. A Brookhaven High graduate, he also played football at Co-Lin.

“All my siblings went to Co-Lin and my dad played football there,” said Greer. “Co-Lin football is all I know. My grandfather and my sisters went to Co-Lin.”

He wants a career in coaching and teaching. His favorite subject is math.

Greer was named Most Valuable Defensive Player on the 2012 All-Region 6-2A squad. He also plays basketball and baseball at Wesson. His favorite NFL players are Tim Tebow of the New York Jets and J.J. White of the Houston Texans.

Coach Greer believes both of his players will be successful at Co-Lin. “They are willing to work hard and they’re smart, too.”

McFarland and Greer are both honor roll students.

Blue (5-9, 180) rushed for over 1,000 yards as a senior. He said he was looking forward to playing for new Southwest coach Tucker Peavey who was hired in December. Peavey coached 10 years at Brookhaven before going to Southern Miss last year as offensive line coach.

“I can trust Coach Peavey,” said Blue. “I’ve known him for a long time. I know he can put me in the right position.”

Blue, the son of Andrea Blue, is an honor roll student at BHS. His mother, a former basketball and track standout, is a 1992 BHS graduate.

His two older sisters, Jamie Williams and Jaden Swington, graduated from BHS in 2010 and 2012 respectively. Jaden ran track..

Ole Brook head coach Tommy Clopton said Blue can be successful at the next level. “Justin is a very sharp young man. He was able to do a lot of different things for our team and helped us be successful. He finished strong.

“We look forward to seeing him play at Southwest.”

Clopton was Blue’s third head coach in three years. “Coach Clopton can bring out the best in you.”

Blue was a member of the South All-Star Team, which beat the North in the Dec. 22 Bernard Blackwell Classic played in Gulfport. Clopton served as South head coach.

Looking to the future, Blue said he plans to transfer to Southern Miss and complete work towards his degree after attending Southwest.

Hazlehurst Quintet

Five senior members of the 2012 Hazlehurst Class 3A State Championship team signed junior college scholarships Wednesday. Linebackers Demetrius Cain and Aaron Larry signed with East Mississippi. Quarterback Kenny Coleman and offensive lineman Joseph Nelson joined Jones County. Safety/wide receiver Xavier Thedford signed with Pearl River.

“I’m very proud of them,” said Hazlehurst head coach Randal Montgomery, reviewing his list of signees. They all have to potential to be starters as freshmen.”

Montgomery’s state title team finished unbeaten in 16 games. The Indians defeated Charleston 21-20 in the championship game. It was a rematch of the 2011 finals in which Charleston won.