ROCKINGHAM — Before the first block bell rang on Wednesday morning, D’Marcus Harrington made his college career official.
The Richmond Senior High School senior football player was joined by head coach Bryan Till in the school’s media center where Harrington penned his name on his National Letter of Intent to Campbell University during the early signing period.
Harrington’s signing came just two months after verbally committing to play Division I college football with the Camels. He swapped his Raider green and gold for the black and orange of Campbell, complete with a Camels pullover and visor.
“It feels surreal because even though I committed in October, and I knew I was going to the next level, it really hasn’t hit me yet,” Harrington smiled. “I think it’ll feel real when I actually get there.
“It was crazy to write my name on the line and make it official,” he added. “This has been a dream of mine for my whole life. It feels great to see the hard work pay off.”
Of his future playing college football, Harrington noted he’s “really excited to be a Camel” the next four years.
A two-year varsity starter for the Raiders at cornerback, Harrington chose Campell over offers from Austin Peay State University, Elon University, Liberty University and North Carolina A&T University.
During his senior campaign this fall, Harrington collected career-highs in total tackles (56), solo tackles (31), tackles per game (4), passes defended (12, second on the team) and also returned a punt for a touchdown against Jack Britt High School on Oct. 11, two days after verbally committing.
Harrington’s work in the secondary aided the Raiders’ success, who finished 13-1, and saw them earn their second straight conference title.
His best statistical outing of the season came against Myers Park High School in the third round of the NCHSAA state playoffs, where the 6-0, 180-pound cornerback collected nine total tackles, seven of which were solo grabs.
Harrington capped his career with his second consecutive All-Sandhills Athletic Conference selection, and helped the Raiders to a West Regional championship appearance, their first in a decade.
“Being a Raider the last four years has been different than most high schools,” Harrington explained. “We play in a big environment no matter who we’re playing. The big crowds have gotten me ready for an even bigger stage.
“It means the world to me to have been able to be a Raider,” he continued. “There’s such a family feel here. Everyone knows my name, even if I don’t know them. I’m going to miss the home feel of Richmond.”
During his four years as a Raider, Harrington studied under the tutelage of defensive backs coach Chris Campolieta. Following a college career at Guilford College, which saw him play in 37 games over his four-year career with the Quakers, Campolieta joined the Raiders staff during Harrington’s freshman season.
Spending two years together at both the junior varsity and varsity levels, Harrington credited a lot of his success to Campolieta’s instruction. The future Camel also noted Till’s efforts as his head coach the last two seasons, who also serves as Richmond’s defensive coordinator.
“They prepared me for so much more than just football,” Harrington said. “They got me ready for life and taught me how to be a man and prepare for college.
“Coach Campo and Coach Till put me in a situation to be successful on and off the field,” he added. “They have so much love for every player on the team and all they want for us is to get better and be successful.”
Following the signing, Till took to Twitter and posted a photo of him and Harrington smiling at a table in the media center. “So proud of @DMarcusH21 for signing his NLI with @GoCamelsFB this morning!” Till tweeted from Richmond’s account. “More Raiders will be celebrating with him in Feb.”
Harrington explained Wednesday’s event was the formal part of his signing, but he’ll join fellow Richmond student-athletes who sign on National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Up next for Harrington will be his official visit to campus on Jan. 17 to meet with school and football officials. He plans on studying journalism as an undergraduate.
The Camels football program welcomed Harrington’s signing with a Twitter post featuring Harrington decked out in a Campbell uniform with a header of “Welcome to the Creek.”
Harrington will join a Camels secondary that calls itself “Statboyz,” which he explained was a mentality of trying to collect big stats on the field.
“I’m going to try to get faster and stronger and metanlly prepare myself for the college level,” Harrington said. “I want to keep working on the same things to perfect my craft so I can fight for a starting spot.
“I’m looking forward to see what the future holds on the field and how my life is going to pan out,” he closed. “A big ‘thank you’ to everyone in Richmond County for showing love and support and thanks to all of my coaches.”
