FRANKLIN—Terry Warren II has inked his signature to play college football at St. Augustine University in Raleigh, N.C. — the school was his first choice.

“I feel like this is a chance for a great experience to further my education and play football at the next level,” said the future business management major. “I’d like to thank my family, the school, my church family and the whole Broncos football team.”

Warren goes to church at Pleasant Shade Missionary Baptist Church.

His mother, Cheryl Pinkney, who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, said this is a great opportunity for her son.

“Not only will he get to experience education on a different level, he’ll get a chance to experience life on a different level,” she said. “I just pray that he stays focused on the positive aspects of college life.

“Though his goal is to play pro football, my desire is for him to give back to the community that raised him.”

Warren, who graduates from the school as an honors graduate, said that he would miss being at Franklin High School.

“It has been a great place to grow, build friendships and show my talents,” he said. “It has also been good to represent in a positive way.”

Parker said not only is this a great day for Warren, but that it was a great day for the football program in Franklin.

“This young man is going off to represent his God, his family, his football team and his friends in Franklin,” he said. “We couldn’t have a better person to send off to represent us.

“I speak on behalf of myself and the entire coaching staff that it has been a pleasure to coach him. He is a tremendous athlete, but he is a better student. He’s a student of the game and is great academically. He is leaving us as an honor graduate.

“The city should be very proud to send this young man off to accomplish great things.”

His grandfather Paul Perkerson was certainly proud of him.

“I thank God for him and that God put him in our family,” he said. “He’s my first grandson, and I love him dearly.”

Principal Travis Felts and Athletics Director Dave Lease were both proud of him.

“We are very proud of all that he has accomplished both athletically and academically,” said Felts. “He has been a very good representative of Franklin High School, whether on the field, the courts or in the classroom.

“He is always saying that he wants to give back one day, but he already has given back by being a good example to others on what you can accomplish.”

His grandmother Marie Perkerson said he just had to remember one thing.

“He needs to keep the faith,” she said. “He needs to keep faith in God. If he does, everything will work out.”

Warren added, “I feel very blessed.”