North Lenoir’s Damon Hewitt, center, signs his letter of intent to play at Brevard College Monday. Sitting next to him is, from right, stepparents Michael and Jenni Tippett, along with father, John Hewitt and mother, Annette Hewitt. Photo by Bryan Hanks / Neuse News

LA GRANGE — North Lenoir’s recent record-holder in football committed to the next level Monday.

Damon Hewitt signed with Brevard College at the North Lenoir football fieldhouse in front of family and friends, looking to build upon success with the Hawks. Hewitt made a splash on Oct. 19 when he kicked a 50-yarder against Ayden-Grifton, which football coach Jim Collins said was phenomenal.

“I didn’t realize we were that far out (at the time) and Coach (Anthony) Loftin said ‘we need to kick this,’” Collins said. “We struggled offensively, so I said ‘hey, let’s do it’ and I didn’t give it a second thought. (Damon) drilled it and it was a great moment for us and I felt really happy for (him) knowing the hard work he’s put in.”  

Hewitt weighed his options, but ultimately chose Brevard due to the experience of the coaching staff and the school’s excellent academics. The senior plans to study criminal justice with hopes to later become a state trooper or head into the State Bureau of Investigation field.

“The academics was the main thing,” Hewitt said. “The coaching staff (also) had a lot of experience and most of them have been to the NFL, so I figured that could really help me in the future.”

Hewitt said Collins certainly helped along the way, as the coach was a former punter for Highlands University in New Mexico.

“I’m very excited and feel very accomplished,” Hewitt said. “(Coach Collins) pushed the weight room a lot and that’s one thing I’ve been trying to get into. (Also) with him being a kicker, he gave me a lot of great pointers and it really helped me get my form and technique right.”

John Hewitt, Damon’s father, said he’s been thankful for the community output and believes his son made the right decision.

“We appreciate the support from family and friends,” Hewitt said. “It was a very tough decision for him, but he got comfortable with the coaching staff at Brevard and there are plenty of guys with great experience.”

Michael Tippett, Damon Hewitt’s stepfather, said he’s been happy to see the kicker’s progression over the years.

“I’m elated, that’s the only way to describe it,” Tippett said. “It’s been a really nice journey — we set goals when he was 14 and he reached them all.”