By Myra Bean

Nationally recruited Darius “Tig” Barksdale of South Panola High School did not sign a national letter of intent, despite 12 other teammates finding a home.

The national day of signing for college football recruits began today. Despite earlier verbal commitments, Ole Miss did not pick up any player from South Panola.

“I have to get my grades up,” Barksdale said.

Barksdale had made a verbal commitment to sign with Ole Miss.

The University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi Valley State had the biggest haul from South Panola with four  players each signing. Signing with Southern are Quin Sanford, Terrance Pope, Jemarcus Hardrick and Bud Barksdale. Taking the Mississippi Valley Route are Cameron Wagner, Jonathan Wilson, Joshua Shipp and Cordarrius McMurry.

Four other players signed with different junior colleges. David Baker and Mario Nash signed with Northeast Community College in Booneville. Jarred Draper signed with Itawamba Community College in Fulton. Deshun Sandridge signed with Northwest Community College in Senatobia.

Signing from North Panola High School were Templeton Hardy, who signed to play with Mississippi State and Bruce Wilbourn, another Southern Mississippi signee.