NATCHEZ — It was a big day for Natchez High School on National Signing Day, as the Bulldogs had had nine players sign with various colleges Wednesday morning.

“It’s a pleasure to have these guys further their career,” said head football coach Lance Reed. “It’s even better that they’re furthering their education. I’m proud of that.”

Five players signed with Copiah-Lincoln Community College, defensive backs Brian Isaac and Jeremy Davis, running back Kevin Bailey, offensive lineman Chris Curtis and linebacker Raymond Williams.

Defensive back Joe Perry and wide receiver Trevon Chatman signed with Hinds Community College, and defensive lineman Justin Hamilton inked with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Quarterback Javon Washington signed with Delta State.

The players were sporting hats and jackets from the school of their choice and their families were with them on National Signing Day.

Elsewhere, Trinity senior Givonni Dent followed through with his decision to attend Southeastern Louisiana by signing with them in the school’s library Wednesday morning.

“When I went there, I saw all the surroundings and met the people there, I really liked it.” Dent said.

Dent signed with Southeastern Louisiana in the library at Trinity as his family, coaches and teammates were looking on.

“They’re with me all the way,” Dent said. “It was my decision and they backed me up.”

Dent said he would take with him to Southeastern Louisiana a winning and team mentality after winning two state championships with the Saints.

“We practiced hard and played together as a team,” Dent said. “I understand all the concepts of football, now I have to go there (Southeastern Louisiana) and do it.”

Head coach David King had many praises about Dent, who will take on the wide receiver and defensive back roles at Southeastern Louisiana.

“He’s a great athlete. Obviously the talent is there,” King said. “ When he first got here, he loved the games but didn’t like practice. But now he’s bought in to the practices and he loves it.”

King also said Dent didn’t care about statistics and that the team was first in his eyes.

“He’s the ultimate team player, he didn’t care about stats,” King said. “He could’ve put up amazing stats if we cared enough about them.”

Dent is third most recent player of King’s to reach the next level and play college football.

R.J. Fleming is a multi-role player at Arkansas State and Stevan Ridley, running back of LSU, has declared for the NFL Draft.

“We’ve been blessed with athletes that have goals,” King said. “We’ve laid out a plan for them and they have succeeded.”