Two Dallas County football players signed scholarships on Wednesday, enabling them to continue their careers on the collegiate level this fall.

Dallas County defensive end Andrew Mahan signed with UAB. Selma tight end Tedric Owens signed with Alabama A&M.

Mahan, Dallas County’s first Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1-A) signee since Michael Johnson inked with Georgia Tech in 2005, picked the Blazers over Troy and Central Arkansas.

“I had a good time on all my visits, but I kind of liked Birmingham the best,” said Mahan. “I’m looking forward to going to school, getting an education and playing college football.”

Though he played both on both sides of the ball for the Hornets, UAB recruited him to play defensive end and linebacker.

“They said they like the way my motor runs,” said Mahan. “I prefer defense because defense wins championships.”

Owens believes he is ready for the next level.

“I think I’ll be able to go in and make an impact at Alabama A&M,” said Owens. “I really want to get a good education and see what college life is all about.”

The Bulldogs’ scholarship offer helped Owens achieve the main goal he set for his senior year.

“I’m really happy for Tedric because he wanted this real bad,” said Selma coach Foster Davis. “He talked about getting a scholarship all year and he worked hard, and when it came down the academic part, he did what was necessary.”

He picked Alabama A&M over an offer from Jackson State. Ironically, both of his parents, Joel and Gwendolyn Owens, graduated from the Bulldogs’ rival, Alabama State. But both will trade in Hornet gold and black for Bulldog maroon.