Eric Byrd lands with Georgia Northwestern

When Georgia Northwestern began athletics more than a decade ago, it was with the desire to provide local athletes the opportunity to play in college.

The school’s latest recruit is the perfect embodiment of that mission statement.

Ridgeland basketball player Eric Byrd, normally all smiles, all the time, was positively beaming before and after he signed his letter on intent with the Bobcats in front of family and friends last Tuesday.

After not having played varsity basketball until this past season, the senior swingman found his way in the lineup and immediately paid dividends by averaging 6.5 points and 6.1 rebounds a night for the Panthers.

“He’s an athlete,” Ridgeland head coach Matt King said. “When Eric expressed an interest about playing for GNTC, I contact Coach Stephenson and (Stephenson) wanted to interview him first before he ever looked at any tape, which says a lot about Coach Stephenson. But if you interview Byrd, you’re going to want him. He’s going to do anything you want him to do for the team.

“For him to not have played his sophomore and junior seasons, and then come back as a senior, it could have been intimidating. But he ended up having a great summer and carried it over.”

Byrd said Signing Day meant a lot him.

“It means I can show my talents at the next level,” he said. “I’m just thankful for the gifts God has given me.”