By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

The Troup Tigers continued their impressive recruiting pipeline on national signing day Wednesday, with six players signing their letters of intent.

The number of signees is lower than last year’s 10, but the class of 2010 is about quality over quantity.

J.C. Copeland (LSU), Brandon Worle (LSU), Cardarious Sanders (South Carolina) and Jacorius Cotton (Southern Miss) all faxed their letters of intent to Division I schools, while Jaquante Holloway (Valdosta State) and Vondre Jackson (South Alabama) will also play on Saturdays next fall.

For former head coach Bubba Jeter, who stepped down following the 2009 season, it’s a testament to how hard the players have worked.

“It’s a great day,” Jeter said. “I’m proud for each kid who signed and I’m proud for their families. It’s a testimony for their hard work and the work that our coaches put in with these guys. Without the quality coaches on our staff, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Copeland, rated a four-star defensive end prospect by Rivals.com, surprised the recruiting world when he signed with LSU over Tennessee after a visit to Baton Rouge last weekend.

Worle had verbally committed to the Tigers last summer, so he’s quite familiar with Les Miles’ team and how he fits in.

“When I got down there, they treated me like a king,” Worle said. “I’m going to follow the Tiger nation.”

Worle played fullback and running back at Troup, but because of his 227-pound frame, he might play the tailback position at LSU.

Worle said is expecting to get plenty of carries, too.

Sanders, who has also been committed for several months, signed with South Carolina knowing he’s a perfect fit in the Gamecocks’ defense.

The defensive back will play cornerback or safety in Columbia.

“I love their defense,” Sanders said. “The style the play is aggressive and intense. They’re 100 percent every play, just like we do (at Troup). I fit in real well with that.”

Sanders will likely face Worle and Copeland when South Carolina plays LSU, which is exciting for him.

“It’s going to be real intense,” Sanders said. “I’m going to be ready to play my old teammates. I’m looking forward to that.”

Holloway decided on Valdosta State on an official visit to the school last weekend.

As the Tigers’ quarterback and defensive back, Holloway will likely be a two-way threat in college, too.

“I told them I’d rather play cornerback, but they told me I could touch the ball on offense too, at running back or wide receiver,” Holloway said.

Jackson is joining a South Alabama squad that is coming off its inaugural season, and he feels right at home with the Jaguars.

A likely defensive back with a chance at outside linebacker depending on weight gain, Jackson wants to make history at the school.

“I like the situation and the environment,” Jackson said. “They’re a young program, and there’s a chance they’ll be coming up. I can be a part of history.”

Cotton was a versatile player for the Tigers who spent a lot of time at running back, but he focused on defensive back as a senior.

It was a proud day for Jeter, who is leaving the Tigers after helping sign 25 players to colleges since 2006.

That’s what it’s all about for Jeter.

“I love winning football games, but nothing is more important to me than knowing a young man is leaving this school with a plan for his future,” Jeter said. “They’re all deserving of what they got today. The thing is, they’re all good kids and good people.”