CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Inside a packed auditorium Wednesday, the stars of Harding University High School's football team signed their letter of intent before their classmates, teachers, parents and their proud coach Sam Greiner.
On the North Carolina's 4A State Championship team, the Rams had 13 Seniors. After Wednesday, eight of the team's graduating seniors will go on to play college football.
"I know they're going to be great," Greiner said. "They're not just going to school. Their foundation is a rock and they'll grow to something great."
"This is amazing. This is the finished product," he added.
The players smiled, posed for pictures, and celebrated their season one more time.
"This is an amazing deal. I never thought I would come this far. I thank God." said defensive back Malik Dunlap who is going to play for North Carolina State. "Coach Greiner is the greatest coach I ever had. My teammates are the best players ever."
"I know I have a big journey ahead. I know I can't give up now so I'm going to keep going." said Braheam Murphy, the Rams quarterback and Army West Point signee. "I'm very blessed."
At one point, Murphy was homeless before Greiner took the teen into his own home. The team went from 1-15 two season ago to state champions.
"He'll be in my family the rest of my life," Greiner said with emotion in his voice as he recognized his adoptive son before the crowd.
Murphy's first day at West Point is July 1.