DAPHNE – Trojan Hall hosted college signings for two football players and one baseball player on National Signing Day.

University of Alabama-Birmingham signed Daphne baseball standout Mason Hutchins, Samford University's football program inked lineman Jacob Kirschenbaum and Auburn University signed quarterback Robert Cooper.

DHS head football coach and athletic director Glenn Vickery said he was proud of the signees for being more than exceptional athletes. “We’re all very proud of them and for them,” he said. “Robert had a great year for us and he’s going to be a great player in college. He got better each week this past year and Jacob made some personal sacrifices for the team (switching from defense to offense) when we needed him to. His heart was on D-line, but he never missed a beat. The big story here is these are (National) Honor Society kids. They are some of our best students and they’re athletes so it speaks well of not only them but their families and their teachers. Their leadership and character on and off the field is a credit to them and will have a lasting influence on others.”

Hutchins pitches and plays infield and is also the son of DHS baseball head coach Joe Hutchins who said he knows the dual roles of manager and father are sometimes an added complication.

“I think I keep them (roles) separated better than he does,” he said. “I can treat all my players fairly, I know it’s been tough on him sometimes. But I’m proud of him for a lot more than baseball and want him to know it. Ability-wise, he’s a great player and I do expect a lot from him and others. This year, we’re really young and I —as a coach— need him and Conner (Reese) to step up in their senior leadership. As far as UAB goes, I think it’s a great fit for him and them.”

His son said UAB impressed him with the school's coaching staff and the facilities. “I think it’s going to be the right place for me for baseball and for school. I just want to thank my dad. I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without him. I know I’m a better player for getting the chance to play for him.” He is the son of Joe and Tammy Hutchins. He is undecided on a major. As a junior Hutchins went 7-2 with a 2.11 earned run average. In 66 innings, he allowed 55 hits, 16 walks and struck out 53.

Kirschenbaum, who received offers from Holy Cross, Birmingham Southern and Southeastern Louisiana University said the Bulldogs made him fell at home right away.

“I chose Samford because when I walked on campus, the way the coaches and players made me feel. I knew I was going to be part of a family. I noticed the way the coaches got along together and that, I thought that, said a lot. Family is very, very important. I have to thank my mom and dad for all their love and support. My whole family, too. That's including all my teammates, my friends and coaches and teachers here.”

The Trojans captain has also earned three varsity letters in track and field. The son of John and Renee Kirschenbaum, he said he expects to play the tight end spot early and possibly move into an interior line position. He is considering a broadcast journalism major.

Cooper, the son of Lee and Brucie Lynne Cooper, transferred in from Florida as a junior. He said playing at the college level has been a long-time dream.

“It’s hard to put into words just what it means to me,” he said. “I just have to thank my family for believing in me and supporting me and all my coaches and my teammates. They all made it possible. Playing in the SEC, playing for Auburn. It’s just a dream come true.”

As a gray-shirt signee, Cooper will enroll in classes right away. He will attend team meetings, but will sit out as a player until the spring of 2010. His senior season, he amassed 1,749 yards and 17 touchdowns passing with 125-of-194 completions and just four interceptions. On the ground he ran for 608 yards on 104 carries and scored eight TDs.

He was also a team captain and plans a career in dentistry or sports medicine.