Escambia County High School Blue Devil football player Dalvin Craft has committed to play college football at Southern Mississippi. Craft informed the USM staff of his decision publicly Wednesday.

“We are extremely excited for Dalvin,” Escambia County High School Blue Devil football coach Mark Heaton said. “He has worked very hard to have this opportunity. God has just been very good to him and his family and he has been pleased to further his career not only in football but also in education. He is just a great guy to be around and he has a lot of character and a lot of integrity. We are happy he is there to be a part of our team and help mold us also.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman chose the Golden Eagles over offers from Duke and Memphis.

Craft finished 2010 with 50 tackles, including 15 for loss and 6 sacks.

Escambia County will start practice like other AHSAA schools Monday. The Blue Devils will open their 2011 season on the road against T.R. Miller in Brewton.