National Signing Day Lely's Greenidge signs with Alcorn State

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

Roger LaLonde/Staff Flanked by his mother, Shelley and twin sister Karen, Lely's L.J. Greenidge talks about taking his football skills to Acorn State University, a 1AA school in Vicksburg, Miss. in the fall.

L.J. Greenidge, a force for the Lely football team, has signed to play at Alcorn State University, a Division 1AA school in Vicksburg, Miss.

He signed his agreement on National Signing Day on Wednesday at Lely High School.

Greenidge played offensive and defensive line at Lely. He was named to the Naples Daily News All-Area Team and the Collier County Athletic Conference Team as a defensive lineman.

Lely coach Stacey Stewart said Greenidge had an outstanding senior year that upped his college stock.

"His size, speed and athletic ability allowed him to create havoc in the opponent's backfield," Stewart said.

Greenidge expects to play defensive end.

He visited the university and likes the whole environment.

"They have new coaches and (head) coach (Jay) Hopson thinks I can make a big impact," he said.

His mother Shelley is pleased with the choice.

"Alcorn State is strong academically and L.J. was looking for that in his recruiting," she said. "He has high goals and more hard work is just ahead."