Jemison running back Javae Swindle is the first football player in the Chilton County area to make a decision to play at the next level.

Swindle recently told coaches at West Alabama his intentions to play college football there, Jemison coach Merritt Bowden said.

Several other local players may at least have an opportunity to follow Swindle in the coming weeks.

National Signing Day, the first day high school seniors can sign Letters of Intent to play at a particular school, is Feb. 1.

Swindle was named The Clanton Advertiser’s Player of the Year following a senior season in which he rushed for 1,443 yards and 19 touchdowns in leading the Panthers to a 6-4 record.

“He’s the same every day in practice and the games. He’s consistent,” Bowden said. “And he can run about as fast sideways and backwards as he can forward. Not a lot of guys can do that. They feel like he can be a weapon for them.”

Swindle’s teammate, Eddie Hubbard, could join Swindle at West Alabama, Bowden said.

Hubbard has also received interest from Tuskegee and Idaho State.

Bowden said that while Swindle’s and Hubbard’s friendship could be a deciding factor in Hubbard’s decision, it won’t be the only factor.

“I don’t think you make your decision based on that, but I think it’s nice to have a teammate that’s going through the same thing you are,” Bowden said.

Other local players that might have an opportunity to play at the next level include: Chilton County’s Delondre DeJarnett and Dyquan Floyd, Isabella’s Jarrod Green and Maplesville’s Cameron Morrow.

The above list is not exhaustive and only includes players coaches said have been in contact with colleges. Other local players may also have the same opportunity.