ROCKINGHAM — Wanting the opportunity to play the sport he loves at the next level, Bobby Terry had several offers to choose from. And the dual-threat Richmond Senior High School football player will be spending the next four years in Winston-Salem.
Terry was one of 12 Richmond student-athletes to sign his National Letter of Intent on Feb. 6, as he made his commitment to Winston-Salem State University official. His signing was the first time he’d made his decision public, joining teammates and Louisburg College commits Taveon Ellerbe and Rasheed Patrick in doing so.
A wide receiver and running back, Terry will join the Rams, as well as former Raider and current national interception leader Daryus Skinner, as a preferred walk-on. He’s one of six Raider players to continue their respective careers, joining Jake Ransom (UNC-Charlotte), Malik Stanback (Wofford College), Jordyn Wall (Presbyterian College) and Ellerbe and Patrick.
In choosing WSSU as a preferred walk-on, Terry surpassed a full-ride scholarship to play at UNC-Pembroke, as well as offers from Guilford College and Methodist University. But finances were never part of the equation, as he’s now attending the school he’s had his eyes set on.
“That was the school I was going to any way,” Terry said. “I was in no rush to make my decision and I was going to try to walk on if I didn’t get an offer. Being a preferred walk-on means I’m guaranteed a spot on the team, but no (scholarship) money. I’m excited about being able to keep playing football.”
Although he hasn’t officially visited the Rams’ facilities, which is scheduled for March 28, Terry began contact with WSSU following his senior campaign with the Raiders. After speaking with offensive coach Lawrence Kershaw, Terry made his decision two days ahead of National Signing Day.
“I chose Winston-Salem because I know a lot of people who go there,” Terry said. “It’s a lot like home, and it’s one big family. And I know Daryus can help me once I get there.
“The coaching staff cares about what’s going on, which I really liked,” he added. “They’ve been helpful with school stuff and filling out financial aid. The stadium is pretty nice and I really like their jerseys. They also go hard in the weightroom like we do at Richmond.”
During his final season wearing the Richmond diamond, Terry was used primarily as a wide receiver, but spent some time in the backfield when running backs Jaheim Covington and LaCyruss Ellerbe missed games due to injury.
Terry reeled in 22 catches for 312 yards, while also crossing into the end zone three times through the air. He also added 95 yards on the ground on 16 carries, splitting the line for four more touchdowns.
Terry had a big night against three-time defending 4AA state champion Wake Forest High School, scoring two receiving touchdowns, 44 and 35 yards, in the first half. His seven combined touchdowns were third on the team (Covington, 23; Jakolbe Baldwin, 9).
While he’s still “trying to decide” which position he’d like to pursue when he gets on campus this summer, Terry said his heart lies with playing out of the backfield. He also added that he knows getting reps as a freshman walk-on will be challenging, but he’s prepared to “earn (his) spot and work hard to get after it.”
In 2018, the Rams and head coach Kienus Boulware went 5-4 overall and finished with a 4-2 record against Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association opponents. A Division II program, WSSU’s season was highlighted by Skinner’s nation-leading 11 picks from the safety position.
While he’s planning to do big things on the gridiron over the next four years, Terry also plans to excel in the classroom. Currently, he’s thinking of majoring in physical therapy with the hopes of one day coaching at the collegiate level.
“I’m most excited about playing football again,” Terry said. “And start my new chapter in college.
“I want to thank God for this opportunity,” he concluded. “Also a big thank you to my family, my mom Alicia Little, and all of my coaches, teachers and the community for being behind me.”
