BY BEN PORTNOY
Michael Tate had been waiting for this day.
Sitting in front of gathered family and friends, Tate made his pledge official as he signed Friday afternoon to play college football at Delta State University.
Tate, a defensive end who graduated this spring from Victory Christian Academy in Columbus, said the recruiting process was long and winding, but he felt Delta State in Cleveland was the place for him.
“I was excited for it,” he said. “I was just glad I got to sign because a lot of folks thought I wouldn’t sign. I’m just glad I got to sign. It’s a blessing.”
Helping the Eagles to a 4-4 record his senior season, Tate tallied three sacks, 88 tackles and one pass deflected. He was named the Christian Football Association Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.
Despite the big numbers, Victory Christian coach Chris Hamm said they don’t necessarily do his on-field dominance justice.
“Stats may not reflect as much because most teams double-teamed him and tried to take him out, ran away from him — that kind of thing,” Hamm said.
On a larger scale, Tate’s commitment is an affirmation that the school’s eight-man squad can churn out collegiate talent.
“I’m very proud of Michael, very proud of his accomplishment,” Hamm said. “We don’t fully take the credit for it because he worked hard on his own and really was determined to do this. It has been a dream of his for a while now and very proud of him and glad to say he graduated from Victory and looking forward to hearing of his success when he gets down (to Delta State).”
With football closing in, Tate said he’s excited for all the college experience has to offer — especially playing football at the next level.
“The whole recruiting process was stressful but it all worked out for the best,” he said. “I still get to play the sport I love, go to college, all those things.”
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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