The SHS Football 2025 Signing Class (left to right): Zyahn Bradley, Donnelvin Jordan, Shiloh Johnson, Davarrius "DJ" Hairston Jr, and Jaylon Ruffin
"I'd like to thank my teammates and my coaches –– my mom and the rest of my family for getting me to this point. For the next two or three years, I'll be attending Hinds Community College," Zyahn Bradley, the 6'1" 190-lb Yellow Jacket outside linebacker told the crowd as he signed to play at HCC in the fall.
It was a familiar refrain at the SHS Signing Day ceremony, an event that marks the opening of the final signing period for high school athletes to commit to play collegiate football. The Starkville High School football program saw five players all sign to continue their football careers under the leading of former SHS Head Coach Chris Jones, who took the helm at Hinds Community College in December 2024.
On Wednesday, college football's National Signing Day for the Class of 2025, Zyahn Bradley, Davarrius "DJ" Hairston Jr, Shiloh Johnson, Donnelvin Jordan and Jaylon Ruffin each signed their financial agreements to continue their football careers at community college.
"These guys don't have to worry about paying for college," SHS Football Assistant Coach William Stewart told the crowd of mostly family members, SHS student athletes and media. "Our kids get to go on and further their education, and that's what we're celebrating today. It is a great day to be a Yellow Jacket."
The 2025 SHS signing class are a well-tuned blend of skills on the field that's been tested over the last year, a fact that will, no doubt, be an advantage as the "brothers" take their talents to a new and larger stage. Davarrius "DJ" Hairston, Jr shared about the importance of his teammates in his remarks during signing on Wednesday.
"I want to thank my parents for all the sacrifices and support. I want to thank all my coaches for believing in me and pushing me to the next level," said the 6'2" 160-lb Yellow Jacket cornerback. "And my teammates –– I'm super blessed to call y'all my brothers. It's just a blessing to be around y'all every day to work hard and have an impact on each other."
Shiloh Johnson, the SHS Football 6'1" 220-lb outside and middle linebacker, echoed those same sentiments and also acknowledged the commitment of his family.
"To my teammates, thank you for pushing me to be my best and for the unforgettable memories we've created here," he said. "I'd like to thank my coaches and everyone who played a part in the dream. To my mom and my entire family and support system, your endless support and encouragement have been my backbone, and I wouldn't have reached this point without you."
Donnelvyn Jordan, a 5'9" 165-lb safety and Jaylon Ruffin, 6' 180-lb quarterback, also shared their appreciation for the coaching staff.
"I want to thank my coaches who have been on every part of this journey with me," Jordan said, and Ruffin made special mention of some of the assistant coaches like Coach Carlton Brown.
"Thank you for trusting us with your kids," Coach Stewart shared with parents. "A lot of our coaches work behind the scenes and don't get a lot of attention, but the time we spend with these young men is a privilege and invaluable."
The newly named Director of Jacket Athletics, Jay Hopson, was in attendance for Signing Day and spoke with parents and media to begin introducing himself to the community.
"I'm proud of the Jacket football program and happy that we're consistently producing players who are able to go on to get their education and succeed at the next level on the field and off," Coach Hopson said. "That's really what it's all about."
"This is the culmination of hard work and dedication," Coach Stewart said in concluding the signing ceremony. "These kids have put in the work for the last three or four years to achieve a goal that they have wanted to do all their lives, and we're very proud of them."
During their high school careers, the SHS Class of 2025 varsity signees have earned a 40-14 overall record with a 6A State Championship in 2022 and saw the school move from 6A to 7A classification.
"As far as you young guys," Coach Stewart said, "use the success of these signees as motivation. Use your time on the field at Yellow Jacket stadium as a way to change your life and get your education."
Jaylon Ruffin -- Hinds Community College
Shiloh Johnson -- Hinds Community College
Davarrius "DJ" Hairston Jr -- Hinds Community College
Zyahn Bradley -- Hinds Community College
Donnelvin Jordan -- Hinds Community College