STARKVILLE — Starkville High School wide receiver Kasey Akins played the waiting game to make sure he found the right place for him to continue his football career.
More than a month after watching two of his teammates sign scholarships on National Signing Day, Akins has made his choice.
Akins decided to take his talents to Harding University in Searcy, Ark., and made it official on Friday by putting his name on the dotted line.
“I wanted to take my time and make the right decision because I wanted to see who really wanted me,” Akins said. “They were willing to give me a full ride.”
Harding University about an hour northeast of Little Rock, Ark., and four hours from Starkville.
It was still a little too far away for his mother”s liking, but Akins did not want to miss the opportunity.
Akins said Harding felt like home when he took a visit there, and that”s what attracted him.
“They showed me a good time and treated me like I was their son,” Akins said. “When they kept preaching the issue that they wanted me to get my education and my degree, that was important.”
Akins was a versatile performer his senior season for coach Bill Lee”s Yellow Jackets. He had 33 catches for 343 yards and three touchdowns, and also had 77 yards rushing on 18 carries.
Lee counted on Akins” speed, catching ability and appreciated him being a leader on the team.
Akins thanked God, his parents and the Starkville High coaching staff for guiding him in the right ways.
“Coach Lee has done everything for me,” Akins said. “Ever since I came in to Starkville High, he has treated me like a son on the football team. He has been my football father I would say. He and coach Rob Morgan did everything and anything for me so I could achieve what I needed.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.