Area player commits to Western Carolina

South Columbus (N.C.) football standout Rashawn Grate has committed to play collegiately at Western Carolina. Grate, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound tailback, chose the Catamounts, a member of the Football Championship Subdivision's Southern Conference, over Division II Newberry.

Grate is one of the area's fastest players, boasting 4.4 speed and the ability to make players miss in the open field.

He led the area in rushing this year with 1,725 yards. He averaged 8.1 yards and scored 20 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 351 yards.

Western Carolina plans to use Grate's versatility, possible lining him up as a slot receiver where he could be a threat in the passing game while also taking handoffs in the backfield.

"They are recruiting me as an athlete,'' Grate said. "That way they can move me around to the best position I can play."