Standout Lakeland High School outside linebacker DeAndre Faulk formalized his commitment to Hampton University in a signing ceremony on Wednesday.

Faulk inked the deal at Boogie’s Soul Food restaurant on West Washington Street with family, friends and teammates in attendance. He had verbally committed to Hampton University back in December.

“It’s unreal,” Faulk said after the signing. “All the hard work put in someday will pay off.”

Faulk said he gave thanks to God first and foremost. He also said all the hard work he put in during the offseason, both physically and academically, was worth it.

“It’s lifting and cardio, plus your grades,” he said. “You’ve still got to stay on your grades.”

His mother, Gloria Johnson, said she was very excited for her son.

“This is just like if he were getting married,” she said. “It’s the best feeling in the world. He’s earned it with putting in the hard work.”

Faulk was named to the Class 3 all-state team twice as a junior and a senior. He has been named to the first team in the conference and in the district throughout his football career.

Johnson said she was excited to be able to attend home games so close by.

“I’m going to be at every game,” she said.

Faulk expects to remain at linebacker at Hampton. The Pirates scored a Suffolk sweep this year, recruiting football players from all three Suffolk public high schools as well as Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.

Hampton went 6-5 this season and has hired a new head coach, Robert Prunty, for next season.