Four more Pinecrest student-athletes have committed to playing football in college next fall.

David Smith, Marino Gillis, Chris Lacey and Javonte Alston were introduced by Patriot coach Chris Metzger and talked about their decisions during a ceremony held at the school auditorium Tuesday morning.

Smith, the son of Joseph and Denise Smith, is going to Elon where he plans to major in political science. The All-Southeastern Conference inside linebacker led the Patriots in tackles last season.

Another all-conference selection, Gillis, was accompanied by his mother Judy Gillis and an aunt, Grace Pierce. He is going to North Carolina A & T to study civil engineering. An outside linebacker for the Patriots, he is projected as a safety at the college level.

Lacey, the son of Billy and Gloria Lacey signed with Greensboro College where he plans to pursue a career in business management combined with information technology. An offensive lineman for the Patriots, he may move to the defensive side of the ball in college.

Alston, a defensive back, is headed for North Carolina Central. Joining him on the auditorium stage were his mother Kia Waddell, grandmother Felicia Waddell and stepfather Michael Irby.

Brett Heimrich, Appalachian State, and Damion Pride and Dannie Monroe, both Robert Morris, Ill., are Patriot seniors that made their college commitments back in February.

Metzger told the audience of Patriot football players that he hopes the signing ceremonies will be motivational.

“These are great kids, great human beings and ambassadors to our community,” he said. “They love the game and that’s important. At the next level they have to reprove themselves. They are excited about that and they’re all going to programs on the rise.”

Contact Charlie Bergmann at cbergmann@nc.rr.com.