At least seven local football players signed Wednesday to officially begin their college careers.

Wednesday was National Signing Day, the first day senior varsity players can sign National Letters of Intent to make their college destinations official.

At Chilton County High School, James Hilyer signed with Faulkner University, and Braylen Parker signed with Alabama State University.

Jemison High School held a ceremony for five Panthers in the school’s auditorium so classmates could witness.

Joseph Hall, Keyshawn Jemison and Raequane Jones all signed with Miles College; while Randy Satterfield signed with the University of West Georgia, and Kortlin Zeigler signed with the University of West Alabama.

The players were all joined by family and friends as they made their announcements.

“I’ve enjoyed coaching these young men and watching them grow,” Jemison assistant coach Robert George said before the players signed.

JHS coach Jake Hogan said he told the players earlier in the day that the real celebration would begin when they have their college degrees in hand.

“This is good for the program, and it’s good for them and their parents,” Hogan said.

Hall starred on the offensive and defensive lines for Jemison, compiling 62.5 tackles during the 2013 season, third most on the team. Keyshawn Jemison led the team with 667 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 129 carries.

Jones, a linebacker, led the Chilton County area with 164 tackles.

Satterfield led the Panthers with 536 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 23 receptions and also accounted for four touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns.

Zeigler tied for the team lead with three sacks and was also second in receptions (17) and receiving yards (290).

Hilyer led CCHS with 109 tackles in 2013.

He said he was sold on Faulkner during a visit.

“Everything was just new and clean,” Hilyer said.

Parker, who caught 24 passes for 414 yards and five touchdowns, said ASU coaches sold him on his opportunity for early playing time if he works hard.

“I liked the coaching staff,” he said.

Players can still sign after Wednesday, which was just the first day they could do so.