Morgan Academy students gathered in the school’s library as one of their own committed to scoring touchdowns in the state’s capital.

Morgan Academy running back Parker Hughes signed a scholarship to play for the Faulkner University Eagles in Montgomery next season.

Hughes said he’s happy to finally know where his future is headed.

“I’m glad to know where I’m headed and I’m glad to be a part of the Faulkner Eagles,” Hughes said. “I’m ready to get started. I’m ready to get over there and show them what I can do.”

Hughes’ dad Clif Deer said watching Parker sign filled him with a sense of pride.

“We’re just really proud of Parker,” Deer said. “Faulkner’s a fine university and we’re just glad that Parker’s going to be able to excel and get his degree, and do what he loves to do best—play football.”

Hughes signing marked the second Senator to sign a football scholarship, as teammate offensive lineman Hunter Rogers committed to Middle Tennessee State.

Hughes is known for his punishing running style and 200-yard, multi-touchdown performances.

It’s that toughness and style that drew the attention of the Eagles’ coaching staff.

“We saw Parker about the third game this year—watched him online, actually—and he came out of nowhere and pretty much dominated the whole game,” said Eric Folmar, linebacker coach of Falkner who attended the signing. “He was the whole team that game and he caught our eye then and we continued to keep track of him. A couple of us went up and saw him in the (AISA) all-star game. He showed out and won the MVP of that game. We knew then that we wanted him on our team. We wanted somebody with the work ethic and the toughness that he plays with on our team. We felt like Parker’s going to be a big part of our success in the future.”

Morgan head football coach Bob Taylor, who served as an assistant coach last season, said Hughes is the best rusher he’s ever coached.

“He was pretty much the gist of our offense last season,” Taylor said. “He’s the best running back I’ve ever coached.”

Hughes said it’s going to take a lot of hard work on the field, in the weight room and in the books to keep being successful.

“It’s going to take hard work, putting in the work 24/7, staying in the books,” Hughes said. “It’s just going to take a lot of hard work and courage.”