Michael Towner ended weeks of speculation about where he would play football collegiately Wednesday when he signed with the University of North Alabama.

Towner, who was a 2021 and 2022 first team All-State selection, had 94 tackles (18 for losses), along with 15.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a senior.

The 2021 4A Lineman of the Year chose North Alabama after considering several other collegiate and JUCO offers. He was committed to UAB at one point in the fall.

Five other Vigor players, along with Towner, signed scholarships as well.

They were defensive end Arenza Davis (Alabama A&M), safety Jermaine Holcombe (Alcorn State), long snapper Bryce Midell (Lane College) and offensive lineman Marcus Hunt and defensive lineman/kicker/punter Reginald Powe (both with Oklahoma Panhandle State).

Towner said two Vigor alumni on the UNA coaching staff led to his decision to sign there. Other schools on Towner’s radar included South Alabama and Memphis

“They have two Vigor alumni (Deshaun Davis) and coach (Brent) Dearmon,” he said. “I felt they would put me in the right place and help me be a good person in life and be great in football, so I just picked North Alabama. I had a lot of offers, but I felt North Alabama would be a good connection for me.”

Towner said he would still be a defensive lineman, primarily as an edge rusher.

He said playing other positions, particularly quarterback and running back on offense, helped him on the defensive side of the ball.

“It made me faster on the D-line, and with more footwork, it’ll be harder for linemen to block me,” he said. “It worked out well.”

Davis, a defensive end who had 72 tackles, 10 sacks and 11 tackles for losses, said being a part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) was very exciting after experiencing a slow recruiting process. He is expected to be a defensive end/linebacker for the Bulldogs.

“Starting off, the recruiting process was a little slow,” he said. “But Alabama A&M came in, and after they came in, then I had offers from ASU (Alabama State) and Troy. I wanted to choose somewhere that was close to my family, and A&M was the spot. I love it — the band, the school, and I had that in high school. Coming into college, it’s going to be nice.”

Holcombe, who was a 2022 second team All-State, had 61 tackles, five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, 14 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He signed early but participated in National Signing Day so more of his family members could attend. He said he’s ready to get to work. In addition, he’s looking forward to being involved in the SWAC tradition.

“I want to get the job done,” he said. “Being in a SWAC atmosphere is very exciting, very action packed, and outstanding. The coaches, the players, it felt Vigor-like and it felt close.”

Hunt graded 85 percent on blocking, had 29 pancake blocks and 30 knockdowns. Powe had 49 tackles — five for losses — along with a forced fumble and four sacks. He was 13 of 17 on extra points and averaged 37.4 yards per punt.

Midell, who had only one bad snap in four years as a long snapper for the Wolves, was described as an underrated player by head coach Markus Cook. Midell said the attractiveness of Lane’s campus was a selling point.

“It’s quiet, and I can focus on my education,” he said of the Division II school. “I’m going to make sure my snaps are perfect; I’m going to go out there and prove to everybody I belong out there.”