Dillon’s Joe Blue and Damu Ford both signed on to play college football next season on National Signing Day on Wednesday, February 5.

Blue signed on to play for the University of South Carolina and Ford signed on to play for South Carolina State University.

Blue is the fourth Dillon player since 2012 to sign with USC and will join former teammates Kwinton Smith, Bryce King, and D.J. Park, as well as Latta’s Donell Stanley, next season.

Blue has been ranked as the 16th best prospect in the state and had 646 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns in 2012. He was a Shrine Bowl selection, scoring a 1-yard touchdown and rushing twice for a six yard gain with four solo tackles and two assists. Blue has earned numerous other honors including All Region and Class 2A First Team All State on Defense.

Blue has been playing since he was very young and was influenced most to play by his mother. He fielded offers from several schools before verbally committing to USC, because he said they showed the most interest since his sophomore year. He plans to major in sports management and says he will carry the winning mentality he learned as a Wildcat into his college career.

Blue will be playing full back and plans on starting as a freshman.

Davandre “Damu” Ford, also a Shrine Bowl selection, was a key defensive player for the Wildcats with over 70 tackles this season. He was named Class 2A Lower State Defensive Back of the Year, as well as the Class 2A Statewide Player of the Year, SC Football Coaches Association’s Class 2A Lower State Back of the Year, and the Region 8 Defensive Player of the Year.

Ford became interested in the sport as a Steelers fan, and started playing flag football when he was six years old. He fielded offers from several schools before choosing SC State because of the opportunities and more positions to play. He will be playing as a full back and halfback on special teams. He plans to major in physical education.

“I will most remember being with my teammates,” Ford said. “They are like brothers to me.”

Head coach Jackie Hayes said he was proud of his players and that the biggest thing that separated Ford from others was his character.

“What Blue and Ford did together will probably never be done again,” Hayes said. “They made it to three out of four state championship games. They possess incredible talent.”