It’s been four years since Suwannee had a National Signing Day event. Wednesday, Feb. 2, Bruce Johnson signed his letter of intent to attend the University of Miami and Patrick Cherry signed to attend Troy State in Alabama. The media center at Suwannee High was decked out with green and orange for Miami and the maroon and gray of Troy State. A table was piled high with food and refreshments for both players as their friends, family members, coaches and teammates celebrated their talent and their good fortune.

Local media was well represented. Channel 20 was there as well as the Gainesville Sun. Wayne Litrell was there from WLVO and the Suwannee Democrat was there, of course.

Head football coach Jay Walls, leaving soon for Tift County, Ga., where he will be head football coach and athletic director at Tift County High School, attended the signing. He said both players had worked hard for the program for four years.

“They will represent Suwannee County very well,” Walls said.

Johnson has been committed to Miami since the spring. He had many offers and chose Miami because his uncle Kelly Jennings is already a Hurricane. The family drives to Miami for every home game during football season. Next year, they will have two players to watch.

Johnson will be playing on the defensive side of the ball at Miami as either a cornerback or a safety. Johnson runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 and is gearing up for the track season where he is a state contender for the championship in the men’s 110 high hurdle event.

Cherry turned down an offer from Iowa State in the Big 12 to take the offer from Troy. He will be playing on the offensive side of the ball as a wide receiver.

“It’s a nice campus. I felt right at home,” Cherry said about Troy.

Cherry’s father Terry Cherry said he felt comfortable about Patrick attending Troy and being closer to home.

Janet Schrader-Seccafico may be reached by calling 1/386/362-1734 ext. 134 or by e-mail at janet.schrader@gaflnews.com.