Most verbal commitments to college football programs don’t mean much these days.

Southern Miss head coach Larry Fedora can believe he has a pledge that will stick. The way Briarwood Christian School senior Zeke Walters made his commitment to the school Sunday is uncharacteristic for most senior prospects.

Walters and his family traveled from Birmingham to Hattiesburg, Miss., on back-to-back days over the weekend just so he could deliver the good news face-to-face with Fedora.

“We went down and watched practice (Saturday) and drove back that night,” Walters said. “My family and I stayed up late talking and praying about it. I felt like it was the best fit for me. We drove back down Sunday morning and I committed in person.”

Walters, the son of Briarwood offensive coordinator and former Shelby County High School head coach Geoff Walters, will join his brother Bo as a Division I football player in the state of Mississippi. Bo is a sophomore linebacker at Mississippi State.

Zeke Walters said his older brother was instrumental in his decision-making process.

“I’ve always looked up to my brother,” Walters said. “He really encouraged me and I got a lot of my advice from him.”

Walters said he has heard whispers the two may even have a chance to meet on the playing field during his college career.

“I think there’s a chance we could play (Mississippi State) before I graduate,” Walters said. “It’s going to be fun playing in the same state.”

Walters will move to strongside linebacker as a senior at Briarwood. Walters has mainly played tight end during his varsity career and he said Southern Miss coaches have told him that is the position he will play in college.

Walters said he chose the Eagles over scholarship offers from eight other college football programs. Walters said he fell in love with the surroundings in southern Mississippi.

“It’s a country town and atmosphere, and that fits me,” Walters said. “Southern Miss has great facilities and great players. I feel like (Fedora) is a sharp guy and they’re heading in the right direction.”