Juwan Tyus is a multi-sport athlete at Verbena High School, but when it came down to it, football was his final choice.

Tyus made his decision official on March 15 by signing a scholarship to play football at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

“It was all about the environment there,” Tyus said. “The coaches wanted me to be a part of their program and join what they have going on.”

The signing was the first at Verbena since 1997.

“It’s very seldom that we get to see somebody go on to the next level. He is very deserving,” Verbena football head coach Mike Harris said. “I’m almost as proud as a parent can be,” Harris said.

He was an all-area selection by The Clanton Advertiser as a receiver, while also playing defensive back for the Red Devils.

According to Tyus, the Chattanooga coaching staff has talked about adding at least 30 pounds to his build with the plans of making him a hybrid tight end at the next level.

Verbena’s offense this season was the most lethal in the county. Tyus was a big reason for the heightened production.

At 6 feet 3 inches tall, he is a difficult matchup for opposing defenses and excels at jump ball opportunities.

“He has matured so much in the last two or three years,” Harris said. “He’s grounded and he’s got a good foundation.”

The Red Devils have made the postseason the past two years, which included hosting a playoff game on both occasions.

He began playing football in seventh grade and looks forward to scoring his first touchdown in college.

“After that, everything else should come natural,” Tyus said.

Tyus chose Chattanooga over Alabama State, as members of his family sat to his left and right on the stage.

The aspect of his high school career that Tyus will miss most is the interaction with his hometown fans.

“It’s small, but we’re all close,” Tyus said. “I’ve appreciated all the support.”