FOLEY, Ala. — Eight Foley High School Lions signed this morning on National Signing Day at the high school.

Football players Darius Powell, Dre'shon McGaster, Nick Lawhorn, Matt Robinson and Ramon Wilson signed, while Garrison Williams signed a scholarship for sports video production. Hilaree Bixler signed for softball and Megan Haber signed for volleyball.

Powell, who played quarterback at Foley, will likely play as a slot receiver and on special teams at UAB.

"From the start (UAB) was always at the top of my list," Powell said. "I wanted a school where I knew I was going to get a good education that was close to home. It was everything I was looking for in a school. They fit that mold."

McGaster was a leader on Foley's defensive in several statistical categories. The 6-2 215-pound defensive end signed with Troy.

"I took a visit there and really liked the campus and the coaching staff," McGaster said. "I like the school. It feels so good. I am so happy to be committed to Troy."

Wilson, a 6-0 320-pound offensive lineman, chose to play football at Alabama A&M.

"It feels really good to get the process over with," Wilson said. "I feel really good about it.

"They said if I focus this offseason and work hard during the summer that I should be able to start this fall because everybody's position is open."

Lawhorn, who also plays offensive line, chose Southeastern Louisiana University.

"I went up there on my visit and it is a great atmosphere," Lawhorn said. "They have a great coaching staff and a great group of people. I walked on the campus and I just knew that it was where I wanted to be.

"It is great to be around people who are passionate about the game of football and passionate about you getting a degree. They want you to leave there with something, not just empty handed."

Robinson, an offensive lineman, signed to play in Livingston at the University of West Alabama.

"It was either them or Delta State," Robinson said. "The reason why I chose West Alabama is because they are so close, only three and a half hours from my house. All my family is still here. It is a really great school in a small community that reminds me a lot of Foley."

Williams will join Lawhorn at Southeastern Louisiana in the school's sports video department. Williams suffered a career-ending knee injury as a freshman but still wanted to be around the Foley football program. He said Foley coach Todd Watson helped him get involved with the team's video program.

Bixler signed with Pensacola State for softball. She plans to major in criminal justice.

"I didn't really want to go far away from home," she said. "It was really close. I am really excited."

Haber will play volleyball for Springhill College in Mobile. She will play middle hitter.

"The first time I went there I knew it felt right when I walked on the campus and met the team," Haber said. "I just felt inside that it was right. And it is close to home so my mom will be able to watch all of my games."