COVINGTON, Ga. — Prior to the signing day ceremony held at Newton High School on Feb. 2, Derrick Von Hubbard’s final decision wasn’t made public. 

Going into the ceremony, all people knew that he was undecided between Tuskegee University and the University of West Georgia. 

When the moment of truth came, Von Hubbard announced his commitment and signing to West Georgia. 

After all was said and done, Von Hubbard admitted it was an easy decision. 

“I feel like the University of West Georgia would develop me better as a football player and academically,” Von Hubbard said. “I think they can help me be as successful as I can be.” 

Even though his decision wasn’t final until the actual day of his signing, that doesn’t mean the occasion was any less special. 

“It feels great,” Von Hubbard said of his signing ceremony. “I’ve been working for this moment all four years. It’s just magical. I just love that feeling.” 

Von Hubbard was a defensive lineman for the Rams for one season after transferring from Chapel Hill High School in Douglasville. 

In his lone season as a Ram, Von Hubbard made noise. 

He was voted onto Region 4-AAAAAAA’s First Team All-Region team after having 54 tackles, four of which were tackles for loss and recorded seven sacks in 2021, too. 

But, since coming to Newton High School less than a year ago, Von Hubbard picked up more than tackles, sacks and accolades. 

“I love my coaches and teammates,” Von Hubbard said. “I’ve only been here a year, but they are like my family.” 

According to Von Hubbard, it’ll be his teammates and coaches that he’ll miss the most about playing football at Newton High School. Nevertheless, he plans to go to West Georgia and make a lasting imprint on the program there. 

“I feel like, if I put in the work, I can go in there and dominate and make West Georgia history,” Von Hubbard said.