December 20, 2021

Four Warriors signed with four-year colleges during the early signing period in 2021 to continue their playing careers after East Central Community College. 

John Hilbert, a wide receiver from Brookhaven, played three seasons with the Warriors and accumulated 507 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His biggest season was the abbreviated COVID year in 2020 where he posted 326 yards and two scores through just five games. Hilbert signed with the University of West Alabama. 

Drake Carroll came to East Central from Louisiana Tech. The Alexandria, La., native played just one season with the Warriors but started and saw action in all nine games in 2021 from the center position and picked up All-MACCC Second-Team honors. Carroll signed with UT Martin. 

Ray Gibson, a local player from Philadelphia and Neshoba Central product, played two years with the Warriors on the defensive line. The sophomore wrapped up 31 career tackles two sacks and four and a half tackles for loss through 14 games. His impressive play allowed him to sign with Northwestern State University to continue his athletic and academic career. 

Desmond Williams, a Forsyth, Ga., native, is another three-year Warrior that signed. Williams shined this year at defensive back as he led the NJCAA in interceptions with seven. One of many notable performances came against Pearl River when he posted an ECCC record four interceptions on the way to a 17-14 win. The incredible performance earned him MACCC and NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week honors. Along with his impressive interception numbers, Williams finished the season second in the nation in breakups with 14 and he led the nation with four blocks on special teams. Additionally, he racked up 304 kickoff return yards and returned a punt for an 81-yard touchdown. Williams finished his career at East Central with 23 games played, 103 tackles, 13 interceptions, 28 breakups, and 627 all-purpose return yards. He is taking his talents to the SEC as he signed with Tennessee. 

This group continues ECCC's storied tradition of sending players to the next level to continue their playing and academic careers.