By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

HOGANSVILLE – The recruiting process can be a stressful one, so it helps to have someone to lean on.

Callaway’s Michael Freeman didn’t have to look far to find someone who knows precisely what he’s been going through.

Freeman is a senior linebacker and tight end, and he has been a popular target for recruiters, and he is coming off a phenomenal senior season where he helped lead the Cavaliers to a 13-1 record and a berth in the Class AA final four.

As Freeman’s recruitment heated up, he turned to his brother, KeShun Freeman, for advice.

KeShun Freeman is a rising senior on the Georgia Tech football team, and he was one of the state’s most high-profile recruits during his senior season 2012.

“At times, I stressed, and at times I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Michael Freeman said. “And (KeShun) called me, or he’d text me, and he’d just tell me to stay calm, keep God, and don’t be afraid to talk to people. He gave me a lot of advice that really stuck with me. He actually called me this morning before I came and made my decision.”

Michael Freeman waited until Wednesday morning to make his decision, and he has no doubt it’s the right one.

Freeman has signed a letter of intent to play football for Mercer University, and he made it official during Wednesday’s signing-day ceremony in the Callaway High gym.

“I really love the school, I love the staff, I love everything that Mercer stands for,” Freeman said. “I just really wanted to make sure I was making the right decision. I really wanted to be thorough.”

Freeman was a part of a lot of special moments at Callaway that included three region championships, two trips to the final four, and eight playoff wins.

Freeman said being able to share those experiences with people he’s grown so close to meant everything

“To grow up with most of these guys, and to play with them, to cry with them, to bleed, to grind, I can’t describe it,” Freeman said. “It’s had its ups and downs, and at times you ask yourself why you do it, but other times you realize you do it for other people that can’t do it, or wish they could do it.”

Mercer is getting a versatile player who was not only the team’s leading tackler, but a big-play threat in the passing game as well from his tight-end position.