16 local players from Okaloosa, Walton participate in early signing day

Wednesday afternoon was a big day for local high school athletes, as they put pen to paper and committed to various colleges and universities to continue their athletic careers after high school.

In total, 16 students from Choctawhatchee, Freeport and Niceville High Schools took part in early signing day.

Choctawhatchee High School

• Ellis Alloway: The three-star linebacker who has been one of the cornerstones of the vaunted 2025 Indians defense has committed to Liberty University.
• Mario Alloway: Tied with his brother as Big Green’s sack leader (11), the three-star linebacker has committed to Jacksonville State.
• Zion Legree, Choctaw’s leading receiver and a three-star recruit for 2025 has committed to Wisconsin.

Freeport High School

• Julius Miles: The three-star wide receiver who led the Bulldogs in receiving yards for the past two seasons has committed to Louisville.

Niceville High School

• Max Roche: The three-star tight end who was the 2nd leading receiver for the Eagles in 2025 has committed to James Madison University.
• Robert Oliver: After having 100 catches, 1,913 receiving yards, and 23 touchdowns as a Niceville Eagle, Oliver has committed to West Virginia
• Harper Campbell: A standout senior campaign of 109 tackles and 4.5 sacks earned Campbell a scholarship to Samford University.
• Justus Donahoo: The three-star defensive back who led the Eagles in interceptions in 2025 has committed to Northern Illinois.
• Anabelle Shackelford: A multi-sport athlete with a .319 batting average in her junior year, Shackelford has signed with Chipola College.
• Deacon Avery: With a .401 batting average entering his senior season, along with 49 RBIs and 12 home runs, Avery committed to Coastal Carolina University.
• Nathaniel Kridder: A state champion in shot put, Kridder signed with Troy University
• Aahron Geleta: The right-handed pitcher with an 8.22 ERA and 13 strikeouts signed with Cahoun Community College
• Taylor Hardy: The lacrosse standout has signed with Hundington College.
• Layla Hughes: A flag-football standout, Hughes committed to Lindsey Wilson University
• Kimah Allen: A top-fine finalist in discus and shot put in 2024, has committed to the University of Hawaii
• David Colwell: The right-handed pitcher earned 13 strikeouts in his Junior year and signed with Wallace State Community College