Lakewood's Dickens and Chapman sign to continue football careers

National Signing Day was about the big fellas in the trenches at Lakewood on Wednesday.

Two Gator linemen, one on each side of the ball, signed to continue their careers at the college level. Bryson Dickens, who earned All-State honorable mention honors this year for his performance across the offensive line, signed with Wingate, while defensive lineman Markell Chapman signed with Highland Community College.

"It's just so well deserved for both young men," head coach Larry Cornelius said. "I'm so happy for them. Any time somebody gets an offer, it makes you feel good inside. My linemen are my favorite. Both colleges are getting a steal."

Dickens was thankful to finally have the opportunity to sign.

"It's definitely one to remember. When you think about it, not everybody gets to sign on National Signing Day," Dickens said. "There's more people not signing today than signing. It's a special day."

Dickens has been a force on the Lakewood offensive line for several years. As a senior, he was asked to move around a little bit more. He opened the season at his natural position, tackle, and moved in to play both guard and center. He finished the season with 27 pancakes and graded out at 87%.

"The positions he played showed his football IQ. Everyone thinks line is easy, you just block the guy in front of you, and that's completely wrong," Cornelius said of his senior captain. "There is more information for an offensive lineman to learn than any skill position with the exception of maybe the quarterback. For him to move from tackle to guard to center this year, that's unreal."

Despite good film at multiple positions, recruitment was challenging for Dickens. As has been the case for many high schoolers recently, he had plenty of interest, but the offers didn't follow.

"It's been a journey," Dickens said. "Ninth-grade year I got looks from all over, in 10th grade it keeps coming, 11th grade it keeps coming, and 12th grade it just disappears. Right at the end of everything, I got Wingate."

Dickens said Wingate felt like home once he stepped onto the campus. While it took a little longer than he thought it might, he was glad to find the right place to continue his career.

"It was the family orientation around it," Dickens said. "When I went on that official visit, every coach seemed like they really liked talking to me, all the players were cool. It was a fun time."

Dickens experienced some lean years at Lakewood, so he's looking forward to making the jump to Wingate, which has a history of playing strong football in the South Atlantic Conference.

"No disrespect to Lakewood or anywhere I've been, but I'm ready to be able to win a lot, and they win a lot," Dickens said. "I'm ready to get up to speed with college football and being able to enjoy life."

Chapman is leaving the South and journeying to the Midwest, where he'll play at Highland CC in Kansas.

"It's a blessing," Chapman said. "I thank my momma, my teammates and my coaches for all helping me and pushing me through it."

Like Dickens, Chapman had a challenging recruiting process, but he's glad he didn't give up on his dream.

"At first, it wasn't what I was looking for. It was a little tough at the beginning," Chapman said of his recruitment. "I had a little bit of doubt, but I let the cards play out, and it all worked out.

"They just hit me up and pulled the strings. It was the best (offer) I had, so I went with it."

Chapman saw Highland CC as a place to improve before potentially making the jump to a four-year program.

"I can learn to be better, be stronger and stronger," he said. "It's awesome."

Cornelius thinks Chapman has all the skills to thrive as a college defensive lineman both on and off the field.

"He's so big, so strong, and he can move his feet pretty darn well. When Markelle wants to go, he's pretty darn good," Cornelius said. "They're going to get a kid that loves the weight room. He'll be a great personality for the team; he's always smiling. He is our team clown. But Markell is very analytical. He's a witty kid."

After growing up in Sumter, Chapman is looking forward to seeing what another part of the U.S. is like.

"It'll help me get out of the city, explore some bigger places far away and see how it is leaving home," Chapman said. "I'm excited, but I am a little nervous though."