Many high school seniors are anxiously anticipating the arrival of their college acceptance letters. Eleven senior football players have the unique opportunity of turning the tables leaving coaches and colleges waiting for their letters.

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, the wait ended. The 11 proudly announced which universities they would call their own.

The last time Hillsborough had this many recruits was in 1995. Head coach Earl Garcia knows the importance of these scholarships.

“We don’t take college for granted. The average person doesn’t realize how much is put into this,” Garcia said. “It’s a culmination of 16-17 years of hard work and dedication.”

For many of the students college wouldn’t be possible without these scholarships.

“It allows these kids to be kids for five more years instead of having to worry about money or work their way through college at Best Buy or Dairy Queen,” Garcia said.

One of Hillsborough’s top recruits, Moses McCray, committed to Florida State University as planned but not before playing a practical joke on everybody [see photos below].

McCray plans to be a defensive end or defensive tackle at FSU. He has always been a Seminoles fan and looks forward to suiting up in garnet and gold.

“I’m going to miss playing for Hillsborough but it’s a big relief to sign,” McCray said.

Before deciding on FSU, McCray also looked at UF, LSU and Miami.

Fellow recruit Andreas Ashwood also has a promising college career. Ashwood signed with University of Toledo. He knew it was the school for him when he went on his official visit.

“It felt like home,” Ashwood said. “The coaches and players were all really good and I felt like I fit in there.”

He will be leaving June 23 to begin training for the cornerback and safety position.

While coaches and players influenced Ashwood, one Terrier was influenced by family.

Marc Thomas will be joining his older brother, former Hillsborough running back Ricky Ponton, at Georgia Southern.

Though he is looking forward to going and being with his brother, he will miss being a Terrier.

“It’s going to be emotional, I’m going to miss suiting up on Friday nights,” Thomas said. “I’ll be back to see a game in the fall.”

Defensive back Chuck Grace is more than excited to attend Florida International University. He decided it was the school for him at his official visit Jan. 13.

“I liked the coaches and I felt comfortable around everyone,” Grace said.

Though he is sad to be leaving his teammates he is glad to be starting something new.

“Its going to be different being the only one [going to FIU], but once I get there I’ll make new friends,” Grace said.

Iziah Wyche committed to Webber International and, like McCray, Ashwood, Thomas and Grace, he will be the only Terrier attending.

“I’m nervous but excited. College football will be harder but I’m up for the challenge,” Wyche said.

Wyche made his decision based on the hospitality he received at his Webber visit.

“They treated me like family,” Wyche said. “I’m really excited.”

One pack of Terriers will not be split up in their collegiate ventures.

Antonio McKay, Mario Gallon, Willie Francis, Dan Mosquera, Zaki Grier and Mike Carter will all be attending the College of Siskiyous in Northern California.

The group is looking forward to not only having the opportunity to play football in college, but having a support system with them, and even some cold weather.

“We’ve played together for four years and now we get to do it again,” Gallon said. “Plus I’ve never been outside Florida and its going to be a new experience.”

Assistant coach Alonzo Ashwood sent Siskiyous coaches eight players’ highlight tapes. The college’s response, according to Ashwood: “I’ll take all of them.”

These few words solidified the futures of the Siskiyous six. “I’m looking forward to seeing new things, getting an education, and just playing ball,” Zaki Grier said.

McKay is looking forward to more than playing football, “I’m excited to get a degree,” McKay said.

Defensive back Erik Fennell chose not to sign to a college on Feb. 6 but is still holding out for possible offers.

Offensive lineman Charley Hughlett will be a walk on at University of Central Florida in the fall.

“Its one of our biggest accomplishments,” Garcia said. “It’s so competitive, first and foremost in the classroom, in the weight room and on the field.”

Garcia expects great things from each of his men and is looking forward to seeing big things from them in the future.

“It’s like putting your own son on a plane to leave for college, you hate to see them leave but you know they have a great future,” Garcia said. “We have big shoes to fill next year.”