Six Gators sign collegiate scholarships

Vicksburg High School’s JD Kelly, Caleb Bryant, Kearris Gilliam, Nicholas Mickey, Dareh Minor and Wallyeke Curry all signed collegiate football scholarships on Wednesday.

Each of the six athletes played a tremendous role in the Gators’ dominating season where they won a district title, went undefeated in district play and made it to the third round of the playoffs.

“This whole thing is great and it shows just how far our program has come and our whole objective is to turn these guys into young men,” VHS Head Coach Todd McDaniel said.

VHS signees with Head Coach Tod McDaniel

JD Kelly:

Kelly is headed down the road to Alcorn State University to play for the Braves. He brought in 26 tackles and seven pass deflections for the Gators in 2022.

JD Kelly signing: Photo by Ced Tillman

“I’m thankful for my family, my coaches, and my teammates for pushing me all the way through this process,” Kelly said. There would be times when I would want to quit but those long talks at night with my girlfriend helped me to keep faith. Thank you to Vicksburg High School for everything. I’m excited to see what the next level holds.”

Caleb Bryant:

Bryant was the Gators’ biggest recruit last season where he was a Dandy Dozen who racked up 72 tackles and eight sacks. He has chose Mississippi State University as his next destination.

Caleb Bryant signing: Photo by Ced Tillman

“The thought of being near my family and thinking about all the great Mississippi State d-lineman that can through makes it a dream come true,” Bryant said. I want to thank everyone that help including my family, my coaches, friends and teammates.”

Kearris Gilliam:

Gilliam led VHS with four interceptions in 2022 while pulling in 30 tackles and four pass deflections. He will be playing for Hinds Community College in the Fall.

Kearris Gilliam signing: Photo by Ced Tillman

“It feels like a home down there at Hinds and they play the same defense as we do but I really want to thank my mom, my friends, coaches, my little brother and my entire family for motivating me,” Gilliam said.

Nicholas Mickey:

Mickey, who signed with Southwest Mississippi CC, was the district’s defensive back of the year. He had 72 tackles, four pass deflections and three interceptions in 2022.

Nick Mickey signing: Photo by Ced Tillman (Johnnie White and Joseph Young not featured)

“I know the coaches down there at Southwest will get me right,” Mickey said. I want to thank God, my family and all of my coaches for pushing me to be the best I can be, and my parents for making me to the person I am today.”

Dareh Minor:

Minor was one of the key blockers for VHS whose offense rushed for over 3,000 yards. The Louisiana Christian University signee had 29 pancakes last year.

Dareh Minor signing: Photo by Ced Tillman

“I love this atmosphere and I just want to thank all of the coaches for helping me get here,” Minor said. LCU showed the most love to me.”

Wallyeke Curry:

Curry led Warren County with 100 tackles and seven sacks on the year. He chose to take his talents to Co-Lin CC.

Wallyeke Curry: Photo by Ced Tillman