Front row, from left, Philadelphia’s Stetson Moore and Malik Hickman are pictured with Tornadoes football coach Teddy Dyess after the two signed with Mississippi Valley State University Wednesday morning in the school’s library.

PHILADELPHIA — Wide receiver Stetson Moore arrived at Philadelphia his junior season with basketball on his mind.

As fate would have it, Moore joined five of his teammates Wednesday morning in the school’s library as they all signed letters of intent with various schools to continue their football careers. in Moore’s case, it was a letter of intent with Mississippi Valley State University, and it was the result of a lot of hard work after not even originally planning to play anything other than basketball.

“I didn’t expect to play football at first, and when I played in my 11th grade year, I didn’t really play well,” Moore admitted. “I took off this year.”

With an improved performance came increased attention on the recruiting front and, eventually, an offer from MVSU.

“It was big, because it’s (Division I),” Moore said. “I was surprised.”

Not only that, but Moore said he was looking forward to having a new football family once practice begins later this year.

“I liked it a lot,” Moore said of when he visited. “Everyone knows each other, and they’re family.”

In addition to Moore, defensive back Malik Hickman also inked with MVSU. Tackle Drex Gladney signed with Itawamba Community College, while tackle CJ Burnside signed with Pearl River Community College and guard Dominic Eiland and running back Cortney Smith signed with East Central Community College.

“It’s huge in this day and age,” Philadelphia football coach Teddy Dyess said of having six kids sign to play football. “Kids want to be able to go play at the next level, and the parents want help to be able to pay for their education. To have six kids signing is a huge deal for our school.”

Unlike Moore, Hickman has been playing football since he was 6 or 7, so Wednesday’s signing day was a long time coming.

“I just have to thank the Lord for it,” Hickman said. “I put in a lot of hard work.”

Hickman said he liked the entire MVSU coaching staff, and he got a good feeling about the campus when he visited. 

“I feel like the coaches care about me,” Hickman said.

As for having his teammate join him, Hickman admitted he never would have thought Moore would end up playing football in college when Moore first arrived at Philadelphia.

“It’s crazy to be going to the same college and living in the same dorm,” Hickman said. “It’s a great thing, especially since he’s my best friend.”

Dyess said he hopes the example of the six signees will motivate other players who still have years of high school football left to play.

“I teach a health class, and all of the football players in my class, I made them come,” Dyess explained. “I wanted them to see it, and I want them to dream and see what you can accomplish through academics and athletics.”