Across the country, student-athletes are putting pen-to-paper, securing their spot on a college football team’s roster for next season as the early National Signing period began on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College sophomore Sidney Wells signed a letter of intent at Clinton High School in front of family, friends and former teammates with the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Wells said UAB offers him a chance to compete for a FBS Championship and has the benefit of being close to home.

“It’s not too far from home,” Wells said. ” And it has my major, so it’s really a great fit for me. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity. I’ve really been blessed.”

The 6-foot-4 sophomore offensive lineman will play his next two years at UAB, bringing size, strength and maturity to a Blazer football team that had a storied 2016 football season.

Being a junior college transfer, Wells feels he can bring knowledge and leadership to a team with already great chemistry.

“I think I can give out some wisdom to younger guys,” he said. “And maybe I can share some techniques and learn more, not just to make myself better, but the team as well.”

Wells was a key member of the Clinton Arrows offensive line during their 2016 MHSAA 6A State Championship season.

He played in all 9 games as a freshman and a sophomore while at Miss Gulf Coast.

Wells will major in Occupational Therapy. He is the son of Lucianna Wells.