He's a Hoot: Warren signs with Owls

Jay Warren, seated at center, is the latest Navarre High School player recruited to play football at the highest level of college competition. (PHOTO: Warren poses with members of the Raiders' offense Feb. 6 in the NHS Media Center after signing to play for Florida Atlantic University.)

The senior running back last week signed a national letter-of-intent to play at Florida Atlantic University, joining 2012 teammate Jordan Leggett and former Raiders Sterling Lovelady and Billy Mitchell at NCAA Football Bowl Series (formerly known as Division I) programs.

Leggett, a wide receiver, graduated early from NHS and is attending classes at Clemson University in South Carolina. Lovelady plays on the offensive line for Florida State University and Mitchell is a linebacker at Marshall University.

Warren rushed for 1,832 yards and scored 19 touchdowns his senior season to help Navarre finish 12-2 and win its first region championship. He also started at cornerback.

“Throughout the whole day, everybody was like, ‘Are you ready, are you ready?’ ” Warren said in published reports about his Feb. 6 signing ceremony. “I was like, ‘I’m a little nervous.’ But I finally realized I’m moving on to the next chapter of my life. I’m ready to get to FAU and do a lot of great things.”

For the complete story, see the Feb. 14 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.