By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Reporter

CHELSEA- Surrounded by family and friends, Chelsea senior Josh Pugh signed the paperwork that will send him to Miles College to play football for the Golden Bears in the fall.

Pugh, a receiver, will stay close to home to play for Miles, which is located just a few miles outside Birmingham.

“Everybody on their staff is just very loving,” Pugh said. “Their graduation rate is 88 percent. It’s just a great place to be.”

Alabama State and Alabama A&M both showed an interest in the receiver Pugh, but after a visit to Miles over the weekend of Jan. 30-Feb. 1, he knew what he wanted to do.

“Miles really, really seemed like they were interested in me,” Pugh said. “On the visit, I just knew that was where I needed to be. I made the decision after that weekend.”

Football has always been in Pugh’s blood, getting on the field from an early age, around six by his own estimation, and hasn’t looked back since.

“My dad wanted me to play when I was like four,” Pugh said with a chuckle. “But mom made me wait a few years. I’ve loved football ever since I could play it.”

Miles said goodbye to two of their top receivers after the 2014 season, so Pugh will have a chance to contribute on the field immediately.

The Hornets went 6-4 in Pugh’s senior year, and the soft-spoken wide out told his teammates and coaches how appreciative he was of their love and support during his years at Chelsea.

Chris Elmore, head coach of the Hornets, had nothing but kind words to say of his standout senior, saying if he had a team with the work ethic and dedication of Pugh, he would never have any complaints.

With the decision, Pugh will look to make an impact at Miles after he graduates from Chelsea in May.