Talbot Buys hopes to play Division I football some day. Thanks to a scholarship from Holmes Community College, Buys took a big step Monday toward that goal when he signed with the Bulldogs.

He was joined by Porters Chapel Academy teammate Kawayne Gaston. The PCA running back signed with Mississippi Delta Community College.

At 6-foot-8 and 255 pounds, Buys has a frame that the Holmes’ staff found intriguing.

“When I went to the football camps last summer, the coaches said I had an NFL-type body,” Buys said. “I started to improve on my footwork and it got better as the season went on. I want to play in the SEC, or at least, Division 1, and I feel Holmes offers me the best route to get there.”

Buys led the Eagles to a 6-6 record and a berth in the Class A playoffs. He had 52 tackles and four sacks on defense. He played in the MAIS All-Star game at Mississippi College in December.

Buys said while Holmes has struggled on the field the past two seasons, it was a good place for him.

“They are in a rebuilding mode, and it’s a work in progress, but I’m definitely going to give it my best,” Buys said.

Gaston might be able to step right in and play at Mississippi Delta. He led PCA with 1,600 rushing yards last season. Yet it was a 200-yard game he had against Greenville-Weston while at Vicksburg High that drew the attention of new MDCC coach Bill Lott. For the past two seasons, Lott was the football coach at Greenville-Weston.

“I guess he remembered my game against them,” Gaston said. “It was one of the best games of my career.”

Lott told Gaston that he would have the chance to play immediately.

“He said they are putting in a pro-style offense that is suited just for me,” Gaston said. “I should be able to start right away.”

Porters Chapel coach Wade Patrick said the two signings continue the positive direction for the PCA program. PCA now has four players under football scholarship for next fall. Chris Marshall begins his second season at Gulf Coast CC and Reed Gordon is a sophomore long snapper at Mississippi State.

“It’s great for a small school like us,” Patrick said. “We’ve shown people, not only can you get a good education here, but you will also get seen by the college scouts. This is a good day for us.”