A chance to play, a school that wanted him and a built-in support system all played a factor in Franklin wide receiver and defensive back Steve Small’s decision to sign a scholarship with Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn., on Tuesday.

Small’s decision turned out to be an easy one.

“They were pretty much the only college that wanted me,” said the FSH senior, who caught 20 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns this year and ran the ball 16 times for 75 yards for the Hornets, who finished the season with a 5-5 mark and 2-2 in the always tough District 7-3A.

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But that wasn’t the only reason.

“I think that it was always on the back burner,” said FSH coach Jerry Martin. “He checked around and he felt like it was his best opportunity.

“I think that they are going to try him as a wide receiver first and I think that it was a good fit.”

It also helped that former Franklin Senior High assistant coach Devon Lockett, who coached Small while at Franklin, is assistant coach at Bethel.

“Coach Lockett spoke to me and recruited me and they liked me and offered me a scholarship,” said Small.

Another reason he chose Bethel is the three other players from the area already at Bethel — former Franklin cornerback Donald Lightfoot, former West St. Mary receiver Tremaine Morrison and former Jeanerette quarterback Tyrone Robertson all members of the Wildcats football team.

“It played a factor in my decision,” said Smith, who plans to study computer science at Bethel. “They are all honor role students and all did well at Bethel in their first year at the school.

“Plus, I liked the coaches that are over there.”

Having a built-in support system will help Small make the adjustment to college life.

“There were able to make the adjustment so I think that I should be able to make that adjustment,” said Small. “If I need something then I know that I can go to them for help. I feel comfortable knowing that I can talk to them about anything.”

Martin agrees that having players he knows on campus will benefit Small.

“There are a few kids from the area up there and I think that he felt comfortable up there,” said Martin. “It’s always tough to go way off when you are by yourself. But there are other kids up there that he knows and Coach Lockett was here for a while and worked with Steve.

“Coach Lockett felt that Steve was a good prospect so they came after him and got him.”