Darran Butts, DeMarque White and T.J. Hart made their futures official on National Signing Day, which saw a lot of Suffolk athletes decide their future homes or affirm their verbal commitment.

After a successful 2017, which was the most successful in school history, the Bulldogs will have a few of their own going to play at the next level.

Darran Butts officially signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Hampton University. The senior running back finished his senior season as the Southeastern District Player of the Year, Class 4 Region A Player of the Year and a Class 4 first-team all-state running back. After initially committing to Norfolk State University, Butts changed his mind and felt that Hampton was going to be a better fit for his future.

T.J. Hart and DeMarque White will both be attending Virginia State University. Hart and White are both expected to be used at defensive back. As a junior, Hart broke the school record with 11 interceptions, which also led to him being named a Class 4 all-state player. During his junior season, he was an all-district and all-region player. The junior defensive back appreciated the opportunity VSU gave him. It was a long and stressful recruiting process, but he took the advice of people around him and just trusted it.

White had been a starter at defensive back for the Bulldogs. He mentioned that he loved the atmosphere that VSU provided. He also liked the fact that it was not too far from home.

“The coaches and players showed me a lot of love,” White said. “I’m just blessed to have the opportunity to play this sport.”

White is hoping to improve on his technical skills and hopes that leads to a starting opportunity. He plans to major in business, and Hart plans for a major in either engineering or physical therapy.

King’s Fork won its first Southeastern District title last season. They also were the No. 1 seed in the Class 4 Region A regional playoffs.