Surrounded by his family, friends and coaches, Christiansburg High School's Aaron Linkenhoker signed Friday to attend and play college football with Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN.

Linkenhoker, a second team all-state defensive end for the Blue Demons, finished the season with 125 tackles, nine sacks and one fumble recovery.

"I will be the first one in my family to go to college for four years snd I will get the opportunity to play football for four more years," said Linkenhoker, when asked what this meant to him. "This is probably the biggest decision I've made in my life so far."

Carson-Newman took the No. 4 spot in the final Division II American Football Coaches Association Poll this past season. The Eagles finished the year 11-3, reaching the national semifinals.

Carson-Newman reeled off 11-straight wins after an 0-2 start, including playoff wins over No. 6 North Alabama and No. 21 West Alabama, and a perfect 7-0 record in South Atlantic Conference play.

"This couldn't have happen to a more deserving individual," said CHS head football coach Tim Cromer. "He was a great defensive line player for us this year. His last four games were the best games he played."

Photo: Aaron Linkenhoker (middle) signs his papers with Carson-Newman Friday, as Jim and Denise Linkenhoker, coaches Henry Scott and Tim Cromer, and sister Kacey look on. (Photo by Jon Fleming)