Natchez’s High’s David Haywood has signed a basketball scholarship with Copiah-Lincoln Community College, but don’t expect the 6-foot-5, 170-pounder to stay around long.

Haywood had several offers from bigger schools, but opted to go to Co-Lin.

Because he has the grades and ACT&160;score to go Division I-A, Haywood can sign with a major college in the early signing period in November.

Tulane University and Miami recruited Haywood, but Miami coach Leonard Hamilton left Miami for the Washington Wizards of the NBA and Tulane coach Perry Clark took over at Miami. Those schools are still a possibility in the future.

He received offers from Birmingham Southern, Centenary, Kent State and Sam Houston State.

&uot;I turned down some big offers because I didn’t want to end up going somewhere that I may end up in a bad situation,&uot;&160;said Haywood, who is looking at playing No. 2 guard in college. &uot;It just came down to what I felt was better for me.&uot;

Haywood, who is planning to study criminal justice, said the year at Co-Lin will be beneficial.

&uot;I’m going to take this year as a chance to build up my body and get some valuable playing time,&uot; he said. &uot;Somewhere else I may be sitting on the bench and not see as much action. I think this will help me in the long run. I’l be able to get some college life under my belt as well.&uot;

Haywood was named All-State at Natchez his senior year, and competed in the Mississippi Sports Medicine Mississippi/Alabama All Star Basketball Game.

Haywood scored more than 1,500 points in his prep career, averaging 23 points and nine rebounds.

&uot;Playing at Natchez High got me ready for college,&uot; Haywood said. &uot;We played some of the top teams in the state. I feel good about moving on to the next level.&uot;