CONYERS — Garry Peters officially signed with Clemson on Wednesday, making the Heritage junior part of a 23-member class for the Tigers.

Peters, who played primarily as a wide receiver this past season for the Patriots, wasrecruited as a defensive back and rivals.com ranked him as the 20th-best defensive back in the nation and the 27th-best prospect in Georgia.

What makes Peters value climb is his speed — he runs a 4.5 40-yard dash — which could translate into special teams opportunities at the next level.

“(Clemson) really like his athleticism, at that height and athleticism, they like him,” said Heritage coach Chad Frazier. “(He has a) real knack to be able to see things ... before they happen (and) the ability to make the big play when the big play was needed. Gosh, he did that numerous times. Just a real savvy, natural football player.”

Frazier said Peters didn’t receive any offers from other Division I schools, but the 6-0, 170-pounder had committed to Clemson before the start of the 2009 season. The Heritage coach thinks Peters will be more than ready to play Division I football.

“He’s real playful off the field, but on the field, he knows how to focus,” said Frazier. “When he’s inside those white lines he’s a totally different kid. That’s why I think because he’s so focused on his position and his responsibility, when you combine that with his talent, which everybody’s already aware of, I think you got a recipe for success there.”

During a Wednesday press conference, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said the starting defensive backfield could include one of the six freshmen safeties and cornerbacks, which includes Peters.

“Somebody in the secondary will probably emerge,” Swinney said.

Salem six headed to school
The seniors on the Salem girls soccer team have had a ton of success on the high school field — the team reached the Class AAAA semifinals in each of the past two seasons and the 2007 team lost on penalty kicks in the second round.

Now, five players will get to take their games to the college pitch. Forward Taylor Gates, who led the 2009 team in goals (24) and assists (14), signed with Mercer, while two pairs of Lady Seminoles signed with the same school. Columbus State locked up midfielder Ashley Miller (second on the team with 13 goals, 10 assists) and defender Ashley Parker, and defender Emily Boggus and midfielder Brittany Whitson signed with Presbyterian.

Also signing was Salem track and field star Tyler Askew, who followed his Region 8-AAAA-winning long jump season by inking a deal with Coastal Carolina of the Big South Conference.

Drish, Gray Sign
Heritage soccer players and team captains Melissa Drish and Brittany Gray both signed letters of intent Wednesday. Drish, a goalkeeper who also just completed her first season on the softball field, signed with South Alabama. Gray, a midfielder, will head to LaGrange College in the fall.

“I’ve had the pleasure to coach both for three years now,” said Heritage coach Chad Suddeth. “They both work very hard at their trade (and) they both compete at a very high level. There’s no doubt in my mind that they will go on to play in college and represent the Heritage soccer nation in a very positive light. We will miss them tremendously next year and will be very difficult to replace.”

Wilkins Headed to Furman
Alcovy linebacker Gary Wilkins signed with Furman on Wednesday, leading a group of six county football players who signed scholarships. Wilkins, who was also a top-6 state finisher in the high jump and holds the Tigers’ school record in that event, chose Furman over Middle Tennessee, Western Carolina, Tulane, Tulsa and UAB.

“(Furman’s) graduation rate’s good and they have a good football team,” said Wilkins.
Newton had five players sign scholarships: defensive tackle Justice Ejike signed with Georgia Southern; Bart Lindsey, a wide receiver and defensive back inked a deal with Robert Morris; linebacker Torrian Hunte signed with Albany State and defensive back Anthony Johnson and wide receiver Sherton Hutchins both signed deals with Kentucky Christian.

Staff writer Manny Fils contributed to this story.