Gwinnett Daily Post

Staff Photo: Jason Braverman Surrounded by friends and family, Greater Atlanta Christian's Chase Roberts signs a national letter of intent to play football next season at Georgia Tech during a ceremony on Wednesday.

It was just days after National Signing Day last year that Greater Atlanta Christian's Chase Roberts received an offer from Georgia Tech.

The 6-foot-3, 285-pound lineman was one of the Yellow Jackets' first commitments in March. Since then, Roberts has patiently waited to sign with Tech, which finally happened on Wednesday in the school's Student and Family Center.

"It's a surreal experience having that piece of paper in front of you," Roberts said. "I just want to bring the best work ethic to the team. I'm a very loyal person and I told Coach (Paul) Johnson he's going to get a good return on his investment."

Roberts was one of the state's top linemen and received a lot interest from other schools after committing to Tech. By the summer time that interest died off with his firm commitment to the Yellow Jackets.

"As soon as I committed, it was set in stone," Roberts said. "Whenever anyone asked where I was going, I said I'll be up in Bobby Dodd."

Roberts was one of eight GAC players to make their college decisions on Wednesday.

"As a coach, I don't get emotional about wins and losses anymore," GAC coach Tim Cokely said. "I know these kids' stories. I know what they've all had to overcome. We've been through a lot together."

DaSean Daniels signed with Navy, Parker Fair is headed to Dayton, Jonathan Ford (Cornell) and Lavondre Nelson (Princeton) are Ivy League-bound, Kalif Raymond is going to Holy Cross, George Thomas is headed to Presbyterian and Jared Chapple will walk-on at Georgia.

"It's a great lesson for everyone. If you're obedient, God will honor you," Cokely said. "This class put everything out there and now they are being rewarded."