WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – High school sports across our state have been impacted by COVID-19.
Ty'Shaun Lyles was the starting quarterback for East Forsyth High School and led the varsity team to two consecutive state titles.
He earned a full ride athletic scholarship to play at Coastal Carolina next year and got to celebrate this moment with his family, coaches, and teammates on National Signing Day.
This may be the last time they're all together under one roof for a while, because Lyles and some of the other recruits are heading off to college early, which has become a new trend this year.
Lyles explains a huge factor is the limited practices and the uncertainty of whether East Forsyth can play ball this season due to COVID-19.
"It gives me a big advantage. Obviously, you can get into the playbook, the weightroom, learn the area before people get down there, things like that," Lyles says.
Head Coach Todd Willert is happy for his seniors, but sad they couldn't play their last season and possibly win a third consecutive state title. The fact that they may not have any season this year has Willert concerned about recruiting.
"I'm very concerned about the next class with not having that film and all that so it has been a big concern, but we'll get through today and be hard at work for them tomorrow and give the rest of the guys the opportunity to experience this also," Willert says.
The high school football season in North Carolina got pushed to February due to COVID-19, and coaches are still uncertain about whether they will be able to play this spring.