Two Southside High School football players are headed to Tennessee Valley Prep School Academy (TVPSA).

Offensive-defensive lineman William Wright and quarterback Malik Johnson each signed national letters of intent to play at the new program based in Huntsville that field its first football team last season.

TVPSA is giving student-athletes who have graduated high school a chance to improve their academic stsanding or playing skills in hopes of catching on with a university or junior college team. Players can attend TVPSA for two semesters.

Wright, a member of The Selma Times-Journal’s All-Dallas County football team, said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“It’s a God-given gift for me to attend TVPSA,” Wright said. “It’s a great chance for me to get my grades up and get ready for college.

Johnson was the Selma Times-Journal’s player of the year in 2017.

Southside coach Daniel Flowers said he’s thrilled to see his players have a chance at success outside high school.

“It’s awesome,” Flowers said. “It’s always great to see your student-athletes get a chance.”