Recruiting: Heritage Hall's Markus Wakefield signs with Howard University

“I am so glad I stayed,” he said. “The people are great (at Heritage Hall.) They love everybody.”

Wakefield was described by Heritage Hall coaches as a quiet, unassuming leader who was the glue of the Chargers' team. Kindred said that is just her son's personality.

“He doesn't have to have all the hoopla and everything,” she said. “But he is a leader. He leads by example. He doesn't have to talk a lot. He just does what he is supposed to do.”

While Wakefield seemed unfazed by all of the attention during Wednesday's signing day ceremony at Heritage Hall, his mother couldn't contain her emotions.

“I don't really have a whole lot of words,” Kindred said. “I am very proud of him. He's worked really hard. He's really a good kid. I never had any really problems with him so I am just really excited. I am overcome with joy.

“Football is secondary to me. I am exited for him because he loves football but as long as he gets a degree, that's the biggest excitement for mom.”