NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School’s Sam Butler has played football for a long time.

He plans to play for a little while longer.

The Adams County senior announced in the school library Thursday he signed signed with Mississippi College to play defensive back next season.

“When I went up (on a vist) it felt like home,” Butler said. “I knew that was the right place for me. They made me feel like I was a part of the team.”

Butler said he considered attending Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State. After visiting both schools, he knew Mississippi College was the best fit for him.

“He felt like (Mississippi College) is where God had him, and we feel that, too,” Sam’s mother Gladys Butler said.

Sam noted the atmosphere and the coaches at Mississippi College made him feel at home. He said he hopes his friend and fellow ACCS standout Carlos Woods will decide to join him, when he announces his decision Thursday.

Sam’s parents said they thought college football was a possibility for their son at a young age — he played flag football and little league at a young age and wants to continue to be involved in the game.

“It’s his passion, he loves football,” his father Donald Butler Sr. said.

His brother, Donald Jr., was a quarterback at Natchez High School, who later went on to star at Southern Arkansas. Sam’s parents said he wanted to follow his brother’s trajectory of playing collegiate football.

Sam said his senior season has sparked him to train hard in the offseason. He plans attend summer school and work out with the team at that time.

“(This season) was fun,” Sam said. “I wish I could do it again with the same guys. We came up short, but I’m sure they’ll get it next year.

“It’s a different level so working hard is a key priority. Everyone out there will be working hard.”