A&M Consolidated offensive lineman Cameron Cermin was not sure what to expect when he signed his letter of intent Wednesday to play football at Purdue.

He got more than he could have imagined.

With one side of old Tiger Gym filled with cheering students, Consol recognized its 20 seniors who were signing, or had signed, with colleges to play sports. They celebrated with balloons, cakes and video highlights.

"I was out running sprints a little earlier, and I came in a little late," laughed Cermin, who made his original oral commitment a day after watching Purdue play Notre Dame. "I didn't expect to see all of this. I had no idea it would be this big."

Consol had four football players sign letters Wednesday, including running back Quinton White and defensive tackle J.J. Bynum with Texas Tech.

"That's my best friend," White said of Bynum. "We've been doing this since seventh grade when we first stepped on a football field. We said we were going to college, and we're doing it."

Bynum and White's bond isn't hard to spot.

"When we were younger, we talked about getting to go to the same college together and play," Bynum said. "We've stuck together since seventh grade. We've got a handshake that goes back to seventh grade, so it's exciting to see he and I will play at the next level."

Bynum, like the other Tigers, enjoyed the celebration Wednesday.

"It was cool to be able to have all of the seniors, who will be able to take their skills to the collegiate level, all together at one place," Bynum said. "These are all of the kids we grew up with, so it's cool to be able to see everybody and see where we get to go."

Consol safety Brett Mahnke also signed with McMurry in Abilene.

Consol boys basketball coach Rick German confirmed during the ceremony that senior Alex Caruso, who signed earlier to play basketball at Texas A&M, was a nominee for the McDonald's All-America team.

At the Rudder High School library, David Wilganowski became one of the first players to sign locally. Wilganowski, whose medical concerns will not allow him to play in college, signed with Rice. He has not played football since collapsing at Merrill Green Stadium in early September.

"It's thrilling because I know that when I was in the hospital, Rice said that they were behind me 100 percent and they were behind me 100 percent," Wilganowski said. "I'm here and I signed my papers. I'm going to Rice. I'm going to be part of the team. I'll be on the sideline there with the players and will be working with the team every day."

Rice head football coach David Bailiff released a statement about Wilganowski.

"David was an outstanding student-athlete who we got to know at two of our camps and we were excited to have as part of our class when he made his commitment to us. Although his playing career was unfortunately cut short, we are excited to have him bring his great attitude and dedication to the program."

Bryan cornerback Shavon Pennie was offered a scholarship by Texas A&M-Kingsville last Wednesday and jumped at the chance.

"I liked the campus a lot," Pennie said. "The palm trees are what caught my eye because I don't see palm trees every day. I just felt it was the best school for me, and when they called me Wednesday night, I said, 'Yes sir, I'll be there.'"

The Vikings had three football players sign with junior colleges Tuesday at the BHS library. Offensive lineman Tim Hines will attend Navarro, while cornerback Johnny Childs and defensive end Barry Densey will attend Tyler Junior College.

Brenham had three players -- linebacker Tim Cole, defensive tackle Malcom Brown and offensive lineman Adrian Bellard -- representing the United States on the under-19 national team, which played in the International Bowl Wednesday. Because of that, the Cubs postponed their usual signing ceremonies celebration until Friday.

Bellard, a 6-foot-5, 332-pound guard, originally committed to Texas A&M but did not sign Wednesday. Brenham head football coach Glen West said that he expects Bellard to sign a letter of intent in the next two days. He is currently orally committed to Texas State.

Cole and Brown signed their letters of intent with Texas. They took part in a 60-player signing ceremony at the USA football signing day breakfast in Austin.

Other Brenham players also signed. Linebacker Jerrid Jeter-Gilmon is headed to Texas State and defensive back Shea Nutt to McNeese State. Running back Troy Green, originally committed to A&M, will join quarterback Dean Haveman and wide receiver Tre'Mund Moore at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens. Cornerback Robert Felder signed with Navarro. Defensive end Akujiuba Inyanma signed with Angelo State and offensive lineman Will Herrmann with West Texas A&M, while running back Klartel Claridy signed with Blinn.

Burton's Xavier Bethany, who played quarterback and defensive back for the Panthers, signed with Lamar as a defender. Former Burton head coach Ray Woodard coaches Lamar.

Former Rockdale running back Daniel Brooks, who played his senior season at Port Lavaca Calhoun, kept his long-standing commitment by signing with the Oklahoma Sooners. OU signed Brooks, the defending Class 3A 100-meter champion, as an athlete.

Cameron wide receiver and defensive back DeDe Westbrook signed with Blinn.