Looking back on his four years as a member of the Eastside football team, Quan Moton's most looming memory was an early one.

It was his first varsity game, just before stepping onto the field for what would become a stellar career with the Eagles, and only expectations in front of him.

After all the catches and touchdowns, Moton's most memorable moment was that first game and the butterflies that came with it.

"It wasn't like I thought it would be when I first got here," Moton said.

He is now expecting those feelings again, but this time before his first collegiate game.

Moton signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play at Apprentice School in Norfolk, Va. in the fall.
Apprentice School plays Division III football and will bring Moton on to play wide receiver starting with the Builders first game at home against Muhlenberg College.

"It's something I've been waiting on all my life," said Moton on playing football in college.

Along with continuing to play the sport he loves, Moton is also looking forward to the education of the next phase of his life.

The former Eagle receiver chose Apprentice School in order to learn the trade he has chosen in heating and air condition.

At Apprentice School, Moton will not only have the opportunity to get an education but also be paid for his time there. As a trade school, Apprentice School pays for any time spent associated with the school.

"He'll actually get paid an hourly wage for going to class, playing football, everything," Eastside football coach Rick Hurst said. "Anytime he's with the school he's getting paid an hourly wage and every year it's going to go up. "It's a trade school so they give him the opportunity to stay if there."

The school is operated by Northrup Grumman, which will give Moton a chance to remain in Norfolk and work at its ship-building facility. Even if he wouldn't want to stay with Northrup Grumman, the trade school would still give Moton a chance to learn a skill that can translate immediately into the work force during the tougher economy.

"If he stays on with benefits and everything, he's looking at $60,000 a year," Hurst said. "It's a great opportunity for him and he's a great kid."

Moton proved that at Eastside, where he not only provided solid play but also solid leadership.

"In all his four years, he was a great influence around our kids," Hurst said. "He was always here and always working. He never complained about anything. He's just one of those guys who was stoic in what he was doing, a great kid to be around. I'm just really, really happy for him."