Tift County head football coach Ashley Anders stands behind the eight Blue Devils who chose colleges at National Signing Day. From left are Andrew Johnson, Rashod Bateman, Fernando Ramirez, Otis Jackson, Ches Jackson, Omar Fulton, Griffin Collier and Cameron Cobb.

TIFTON — National Signing Day is a big event across America, with thousands of high school athletes picking college football programs. At Tift County High Wednesday afternoon, it was a major affair with eight Blue Devils getting on stage at the Performing Arts Center to make their commitments.

Omar Fulton, Rashod Bateman, Ches Jackson, Cam Cobb, Otis Jackson, Fernando Ramirez, Griffin Collier and Andrew Johnson were the Blue Devils of honor, choosing six college programs between them.

Collier and Fulton signed with the University of West Georgia, with Ramirez and Otis Jackson picking Lincoln University of Missouri. Cobb announced he was going to Lake Erie College (Ohio).

Three Tift players are going to major Division I programs.

Bateman, who inked during December’s early signing program, is going to the University of Minnesota. Johnson honored his longtime verbal commitment to Oregon. Ches Jackson, who had been attached to Appalachian State (N.C.) heading into his senior season, announced he would be playing for Colorado State.

Head coach Ashley Anders emceed the event.

“A special day for a special group of kids,” he said.

Tift went 11-2 on the gridiron in 2017, advancing to the Class AAAAAAA quarterfinals, its deepest run since 2006.

Anders introduced the players one by one, allowing them each a moment with their families on stage to sign and say a few comments.

All of the signees thanked God to lead off their speeches and in addition to thanking their coaches and families, each added a personal touch.

Fulton, who was first on stage, thanked his coaches for being a father figure to him. He finished his speech with “Go West!,” the motto for West Georgia. Fulton played as a defensive lineman.

Bateman, who set Tift’s receiving records for yards in a season, yards in a career and touchdowns, told the crowd that, “I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Ches Jackson, an offensive lineman who Anders said finished his career with 23 pancake blocks, ended by looking at his parents, who were by him on stage.

“This is for them,” he said.

Cobb, a two-year starter at receiver who also returned punts and kickoffs, also ended by acknowledging those who sat with him.

“I thank these ladies around me,” said Cobb. “Without them, I’d be nothing.”

The other Jackson to sign Wednesday, Otis played wide receiver for Tift.

“I’m a Tiger now,” he said.

Otis Jackson will remain teammates with Ramirez, who eyes became misty after he took the microphone. A three-year starter at kicker, Ramirez booted 15 field goals in 2017 and made every extra point attempt.

After Anders ran through Ramirez’s stats, he added “Someone’s fixing to get a great one right here.”

Like Bateman, Collier set many Tift County records.

From his quarterback position, Collier set the single season passing mark in 2016, then broke his own record in 2017. He also shattered the career passing numbers mark and as a sophomore, came within 10 yards of the single game record. He threw for 32 touchdowns and 2,941 yards as a senior.

Collier, who will joins Fulton at West Georgia, said he “can’t wait to head over to Carrollton to compete and have a little fun.”

Johnson, who had the biggest group of individuals to accompany him on stage, started three years at Tift, playing as both a linebacker and a defensive lineman. Anders said he had 57 tackles, 40 assists and two sacks in 2017.

“Pretty stout for a defensive lineman,” Anders said.