It was a proud moment for the family of Landrum football player Caleb Pruitt, front row, center, who just inked his intent to play football for Newberry College, on a scholarship. Pruitt is flanked by his parents Angie and Rusty Pruitt. In the back, from left, are: grandmother Brenda West, grandfather Michael West, brother Adam Pruitt and grandmother Ann West. (Photo by Mark Schmerling)

Flanked by his parents, Angie and Rusty Pruitt, on Feb. 4, Landrum High School senior Caleb Pruitt, signed his intention to play football for Newberry College, where the three-sport athlete will play on a scholarship. Newberry College is in Newberry, S.C.

“This has been a long journey,” said Cardinal head football coach Jason Farmer, who noted that the journey has been longer for Pruitt than for himself, as Farmer was named head coach starting with last season.

Pruitt is the first of Farmer’s Landrum players to receive a scholarship.

“Caleb has been a tremendous player for us,” Farmer continued. “He’ll be missed.”

Pruitt, who began playing flag football at age five, said that during his junior year he began thinking of playing college ball.

How does it feel to be on the way?

“It feels great,” he beamed.

Rusty Pruitt, who played high school football, and who looks like he can still play, acknowledged that he’s influenced his son along the way.

Caleb accepted Newberry’s offer happily, after visiting the campus and meeting the coaching staff.

“The family atmosphere was really great,” he said, adding that he is eager to attend and play there. He plans to major in physical education — something that will lead to employment in the health/fitness field.

Caleb, who has played football four years at Landrum, was a wide receiver and running back in his senior year of football, performing as a linebacker during his freshman through junior years. He will also be playing his fourth year of baseball, and has played two years of basketball for the Cardinals.

At Newberry, he expects to be a fullback or linebacker.