1 of 5

Keondrick Melton will continue playing football on the college level after announcing on Monday that he will attend NC Wesleyan in the fall. He’ll join Washington High School teammate and fellow senior Gabe Davis on the team. (Jason O. Boyd | Washington Daily News)

Thanks to his coaches, including former Washington High School coach Matt Taylor, right, Pam Pack senior running back Keondrick Melton will be able to continue playing football at NC Wesleyan. (Jason O. Boyd | Washington Daily News)

Keondrick Melton commits to NC Wesleyan (Jason O. Boyd | Washington Daily News)

Keondrick Melton commits to NC Wesleyan (Jason O. Boyd | Washington Daily News)

Keondrick Melton commits to NC Wesleyan (Jason O. Boyd | Washington Daily News)

Keondrick Melton has a lot in common regarding his future, and that of Washington High School teammate Gabe Davis.

Melton will join his fellow senior Pam Pack football star at NC Wesleyan. He made the announcement on Monday that he will be playing for the Battlin’ Bishops this fall.

“It’s very good because I get to play for another four years,” Melton said. “And I can get a degree. I just appreciate the coaches and everything.

“I got Gabe with me. So I just hope we can win it back in four years. Let’s go win something this time.”

Davis, who was the defensive MVP at linebacker this season for the Pam Pack, said it’s great to be able to play with the team’s offensive MVP again. Both have been together as teammates all four years at Washington.

“Yeah, I’m excited to get to work with him again,” David said. “Because it’s been fun for the past four years. I can only imagine another four with him.

“And we’re both going to work hard. So it’s going to be fun to compete with him.”

Like Davis, Melton went into the 252 vs 919 All-Star Showcase looking for a future college home. Davis announced his college plans to attend NCWC a few weeks ago. Melton said he also visited the campus not too long ago and liked what he saw. He wants to major in exercise science so he can work with athletes after he’s done playing sports.

“What made me feel good about it was I feel like it’s a smaller school than others,” Melton said. “I’m worried about mainly my degree. Because what are you going to do after football?

“The classes are smaller as well. If you have a question, you can just knock on the professor’s door. I like stuff like that because I like it to be face-to-face instead of online.”

Melton said the 252 vs. 919 game was a good indication of what he’ll face in college as far as the schedule and routine. Having a familiar face like Davis along for the ride will also make it easier.

“It’s something that tradition never graduates,” former football coach Matt Taylor said. “It’s exciting that he’s going to play with Gabe. It’s exciting that he’s put himself in this situation to continue not only his football career but his educational path and just be the best version of himself.

“And that’s a testament to his hard work and what he stands for. So it’s fun as a coach to see all that hard work come to fruition. And it’s exciting to see what he’s going to do with it.”

Melton finished his senior season as one of the top running backs in Eastern North Carolina. He rushed for 1,629 yards and 17 touchdowns over 11 games. He rushed for 100 yards or more in nine of those games. As talented as he was during the football season, Taylor said it’s gratifying to see him be able to get the chance to continue playing.

“And it’s exciting that dreams come true,” Taylor said. “For a kid that has grown up in this town and had these ambitions for the past 10, 12 years and now he’s able to go play college football and compete and get an education and do all those things. So hopefully set himself up for the rest of his life. It’s very rewarding as a coach.”

After having problems holding onto the ball and fumbling a lot early in his high school career, Melton said it was gratifying to overcome those problems and showcase his talents to his full potential.

“I tried not to fumble the ball,” Melton said of his early struggles. “I had a lot of trouble with that my freshman year. My freshman and sophomore year, I couldn’t get the ball in my hands.

“That’s not good for a running back. I had to figure out how to do that. (5:40) Once I figured it out, I was able to do it. “I think all I needed was a chance. I’m just happy I was able to deliver my senior year.”

More Sports

Youth, experience drive Pack girls’ soccer to early success

NCHSAA sends questionnaire to schools about flag football

High 5, Washington’s Jamie Perez: Senior a big part of Pam Pack girls’ soccer team

Panthers top Manteo in Keech’s return to field