SPANISH FORT, Alabama — Four footballers from Spanish Fort each signed a national letter of intent Wednesday before a large crowd of fellow students, teachers, coaches, fans, family, community leaders and media.

Defensive back and return specialist Johnny Cook signed with the University of Alabama's National Champion Crimson Tide, cornerback Kylan Cotton with Jacksonville State, wide receiver Blain Crain with Western Colorado and offensive lineman Grant Horst with Louisiana-Lafayette.

Spanish Fort head coach Mark Freeman said the occasion was a celebration of each player's success which was the result of a community and school coming together to prepare young people for life after high school.

“It’s a blessed day for these young men and their families and for the Toro family,” he said. “It’s a blessed day that they're going to get a chance to further their education and play a little football to boot. I feel like we’re sending out our guys who are going to make us proud and who are going to represent us and Spanish Fort well. And this is something that will carry over into life or them beyond school to help them become good leaders, husbands, fathers and role models for generations to come. We’re all very, very proud of these young men.”

Cook, an admitted Alabama fan, and who had earlier Division-I NCAA offers, said he hoped Alabama coach Nick Saban would give him the opportunity.

“I grew up a fan. It’s where I wanted to go since day one, since I was little. And since Nick Saban has been there, even more so. I want to be coached by him,” he said. “Alabama is where I always wanted go as long as I could remember. It’s my dream school.”

At 6-foot, 183 pounds, Cook was a 2012 first-team All-State selection by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He started the last three-years earning recognition for major contributions to the Toro's 2010 and 2012 Class 5A state championships. Over that time he recorded 203 tackles, 17 interceptions and 49 pass breakups. As a senior he had 81 tackles, seven interceptions including two returned for touchdowns and 23 pass breakups.

Although primarily a defender, Cotton was often called on for is sold ball-handling skills in special situations on offense. He said Jacksonville State and their entire style of play on both sides of the ball appealed to him.

“They always have a good program up there and I liked the coaches and the campus. I like the way they run the defense and offense. It’s a fun style of football. They were the only ones to offer me a scholarship but I plan to prove to them they made the right choice.”

Cotton had 172 tackles and intercepted nine passes for the Toros over his career.

Crain, who was named the MVP of the Toros' 5A State Champion baseball team last May — not long after the death of his father, former Auburn All-American linebacker and South Alabama associate head coach, Kurt Crain — said football was in his blood.

“Yeah, I love baseball, but I think, I believe I was always meant to play football and coaching it one day like my dad. But also, I’ve lived in the South all my life and I really liked it out there (Colorado) and I really liked the coach and got to even more. He’s really dedicated and the whole place is beautiful. Love the facilities and just looking forward to getting out there to play some football.”

Crain scored 22 touchdowns during his high school career and caught 80 passes for 1,270 yards. He was also an ASWA All-State selection in 2012.

Horst said he loves the long football tradition of the Ragin’ Cajuns.

“I can’t wait to get there this summer and start training with them. Really looking forward to it and getting ready for the fall and having a great season. I really liked the coaches and the campus atmosphere is great.”

Horst is a two-year starting tackle with a knack for pass protection that recruiters for frequent-passing teams always look for. An All County, All-Region pick the last two seasons, he allowed just two sacks on 345 passing attempts all year as a senior and only eight sacks in over 700 pass plays for his high school career.