A trio of football standouts who helped lead Mt. Juliet High to a three-year record of 34-6 signed with Lebanon's Cumberland University in ceremonies Friday morning.

Halfback Caleb Hopkins (5-8, 170), outside linebacker Tre' Nealous (6-1, 175) and hard-hitting safety Cody Carr (5-8, 180) inked their paperwork in front of teammates, family and friends in the Mt. Juliet library.

"These guys have been part of a very special group here at Mt. Juliet," said golden Bear head coach Roger Perry. "This gives us five players from this class who have signed."

Here's a look at the three.

Hopkins is a two year starter and two time All-District 9AAA selection. As a senior, he rushed 126 times for 1270 yards (10.5 ypc) with 17 TDs (19 total). In his career, he has 2,618 yards from scrimmage and 47 total TDs -- including eight TD passes. He has averaged over 10 yards per rush in his prep career.

Nealous is a two-year starter for the Bears who racked up 96 total tackles in 2012 alone and over 160 career tackles. He had four career interceptions, three defensive scores, 13 total tackles for loss with five QB sacks and seven pass break-ups. Nealous had a two interception game against Wilson Central on Thursday Night Lights and was named that game's MVP.

Carr is a three year starter at strong safety and is a two time All-District 9AAA performer. A TSWA first team All-State picke, he was selected to the Toyota East/West All-Star game. In 2012 Carr recorded 141 total tackles with two INTs, six pass break ups, seven tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries. He has piled up over 300 tackles in his career with four interceptions, 12 pass break ups, and 16 tackles for loss. For good measure, he has blocked also five picks. A top notch student, he scored a 27 on his ACT.

TOMMY BRYAN / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it