Less than a month now separates college football fans from the regular season and this year Atmore residents could get a chance to watch some hometown players compete on the national level.

Escambia County High School stand out defensive linemen Tyler Nero and Dalvin Craft have both moved on to major NCAA programs, while Escambia Academy’s former star running back Jaylen Henry will join a Texas community college team.

Nero, who verbally committed to the Auburn Tigers early last year, never wavered in his commitment to the school and is now participating in fall practices in anticipation of the upcoming year.

Craft, also an early verbal commitment, stuck with his first choice as well and has joined the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in Hattiesburg.

Henry, who signed his commitment papers earlier this summer, has signed on to play with the Kilgore Community College Rangers in Kilgor Tx.

Although all three players will be true freshmen during the 2012 season, it is not much of a reach to expect to see them hit the field at some point this year.

Henry will likely have the best chance coming into a program that does not retain a Division 1 roster, giving him an opening to showcase his speed and agility on the field.

Both Nero and Craft will likely see the field in the event other players are injured or their teams have gained a comfortable lead, however, based on raw talent alone, a few impressive practices could earn either player a regular spot early in their careers.

Regardless of how much playing time Atmore’s trio of players see this coming season, locals should plan to memorize a few numbers that will likely become more and more frequently called upon over the next three-to-four years.