DAPHNE — Dave McKeithen signed to play football this fall with the Division III University of the South at Sewanee. He was a four year letterman for the Bayside Academy Admirals in football and basketball and was a two year letterman in baseball.

McKeithen is known for his toughness and led the Admirals in tackles with 82 in 10 games his senior season while playing middle linebacker with a broken foot.

While at Bayside, he helped the gridiron Admirals to two state playoff appearances and their first playoff win. He had an outstanding junior season running the ball with nearly 700 yards and 14 TDs and his hard running style should fit into the Sewanee Tigers' Veer -T running game.

McKeithen also had an outstanding basketball career as a four year letterman. During his high school career, Bayside went to the playoffs the last three years and won one area championship. The Admirals won 19 games his senior year — the most ever for the Bayside program since playing in the AHSAA and in the last two years have beaten 5A Gulf Shores and St. Pauls as well as Foley, Robertsdale and other 6-A programs.

The 5-8, 185-pound McKeithen said he is looking forward to the competition this fall and says he is working each day to prepare for college level sports. "I thank my coaches, parents and teachers for helping me get a chance to play college football and continue my education at such a great academic school. No matter what happens, I'll always thank Bayside for the opportunity they've given me."