Fike High football senior linemen Leroy Vick and Isaiah Holland always looked forward to game nights.
Then, they could oppose someone else across the line of scrimmage and not one another.
But on National Signing Day on Wednesday, the Golden Demons duo established the foundation for continuing their rivalry at the next level -- on a more businesslike basis.
They signed with NCAA Division I archrivals.
The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Vick signed a national letter-of-intent at 8:28 Wednesday morning to accept a scholarship to North Carolina Central in Durham.
At 8:01 a.m. Wednesday, the 6-5, 295-pound Holland inked a national letter-of-intent to continue his career at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro.
Both insisted they are looking forward to opposing one another at the collegiate level.
Their Fike head coach Richie Pridgen, with a grin, added: "It will make them appreciate what they have already been through. It should be fun."
BEHIND THE DECISIONS
Vick, the son of Gwen Robinson of Elm City, chose N.C. Central over A&T, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Winston-Salem State. He visited N.C. Central and A&T.
"The atmosphere is one of brotherhood," Vick reasoned. "They won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association two years in a row -- they showed me the rings. They are going to scrimmage Rutgers next year."
Vick's immediate intent is to "get a feel for the program, find a spot and ride the wave. I feel like the program is going in the right direction."
Holland, the son of Theodoris Walston of Wilson, considered UNC Pembroke, Appalachian State University and Winston-Salem State. He visited A&T and UNC Pembroke.
"Their players are very close," Holland supported his decision. "The coaches are on a first-name basis with the players ... they keep in contact with the players. The school is a great community. The team hasn't done too well lately, but they look to get it turned around."
DREAMS COME TRUE
Both visualized performing on a grander stage before capacity crowds in big stadiums. But, for each, the opportunity to participate in the National Signing Day activities was a dream come true.
"I feel like I am on top of the world right now," said Holland, who plans to pursue degrees in information technology and business management.
Holland admitted he was nervous upon affixing his signature to the national letter-of-intent.
"I thought about if I had made the right choice or not," he explained. "But, now, I'm positive I made the right decision."
Added Vick: "It's a tingly feeling. It was no big deal (Tuesday) but, the closer I got to it, the more I couldn't stop smiling."
The occasion was a milestone for Pridgen. Vick and Holland become his first Div. I recruits since Requan Boyette, who is approaching his senior season at Duke University. For the first time, a pair of his Golden Demons signed Div. I grants on the same day.
"It's a first for me," Pridgen assured, "and I have been doing it 28 years -- 14 as a head coach.
"It's a good decision any time a player gets to decide to go where he can get an education and have his needs filled.
"Isaiah has made a good decision and, as far as Leroy is concerned, when you get a chance to go to college and get an education, you have not made a bad decision."
VICK EYEING NFL
Vick sees his N.C. Central opportunity as a stepping stone to the National Football League. As a college student, he intends to study business and mass communications.
"I am tickled to death about this," Pridgen exclaimed. "It helps kids down in the (Fike) program. It gives them something to look forward to and lets them know their goals are not out of reach."
Vick and Holland played varsity football at Fike for four seasons. Vick spent most of his time at defensive tackle and tight end. He also wrestled for three years, finishing as high as fifth in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A East Regional.
As a senior, Vick was proclaimed a member of The Wilson Daily Times All-Area Ironman unit, earned All-NEW 6 Conference recognition and was tabbed his team's Most Valuable Defensive Player. His presence couldn't be overlooked despite the fact he wore several jersey numbers his final season.
Holland impressed observers at the next level despite missing a couple of games. He was stationed at tackle and guard on both sides of the football. Holland played basketball as a freshman and sophomore and was involved in track his first three years at Fike.
NO REDSHIRTS FOR DUO
Vick and Holland expect to play collegiately as freshmen. Vick is being recruited as a defensive tackle, while the Aggies are interested in Holland at tight end, defensive end, defensive tackle, offensive tackle and offensive guard.
He prefers defensive tackle but anticipates heading toward offensive tackle.
"I don't know what side of the ball they are going to play him on," Pridgen said of Holland. "But when you have a big, tall offensive lineman with long arms and a long reach who can get his hands on a defensive player, it's harder to get to the quarterback.
"It depends on the defense but he adds something to stopping the run. When Isaiah puts his mind to it, he can play on either side of the ball."
Of Vick, Pridgen noted: "A defensive lineman who can run and has motion is important on the college level. Leroy can get down the line of scrimmage."
Vick reasons he provides N.C. Central, in its first year of Div. I competition, a versatile defensive lineman with size.
FIKE CAREERS
Their most important contributions during their Fike careers were bringing the program the size and mobility needed to compete at the 3-A level. Undersized linemen were prominent in the Demons' lean years.
During their senior season, Fike reached the .500 won-lost level (6-6) and returned to the playoffs.
Vick's 67 tackles included three sacks. He recovered three fumbles and had an interception. Holland registered six sackes among his 48 stops and recovered three fumbles.
"From the time I got in, we changed the program around," Vick contended. "We went from losing to, as seniors, being determined to put the program on the right side before we left. But what was most enjoyable was a group of boys turning into men in a period of four years."
Vick's personal highlight was a key interception return in this past season's win against Beddingfield.
"I felt like a running back," he assured with a huge grin. "I ran the ball, had a couple of tackles and got recruited."
Of his senior season, Holland commented: "It could have been better, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Playing Hunt three times was a roller coaster, but that's life."
The Signing Day participants were quick to thank their coaches and respective families.
"I want to thank my coaches for bringing me here and my coaches for staying on me," Holland said. "There's a lot more work to do."
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