ROCHELLE -- Most of the recent greats at Wilcox County earned their stripes playing receiver.

Some, like current New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, found a natural position on the defensive side of the ball.

Nick Marshall and Makail Grace transitioned to play quarterback for Wilcox County.

Johnathan Howard -- most call him “Bug” -- stayed at receiver, however, and ended up posting one of the best receiving seasons in state history in 2012.

Howard signed with North Carolina on Wednesday, picking the Tar Heels over Clemson and Auburn.

“I just really loved North Carolina, (head coach Larry) Fedora, the staff, the facilities, everything,” Howard said. “It’s a dream school.”

Howard caught a state-record 115 passes for 1,630 yards and 19 total touchdowns a senior. He fell 25 yards short of Demarco Robinson’s state record for single-season receiving yards.

“I probably dropped a few that would have put me over the record,” Howard said.

Howard felt a little bit of a pull towards Auburn late in the recruiting cycle when his former quarterback Marshall committed to the Tigers. Marshall, who spent last year at Garden City Community College, picked Auburn over Indiana, Kansas State and Texas and was recruited to play quarterback. Marshall signed with Georgia out of high school as a defensive back.

“I thought about it and liked the idea of playing with (Marshall),” Howard said. “But I was committed to North Carolina, and I love the school.”

Howard said he wasn’t sure if Marshall would suit up at quarterback for Auburn, although the Tigers’ coaching staff has told Marshall he’ll have a shot to play quarterback. Marshall also signed Wednesday.

Wilcox County head coach Mark Ledford said Grace will likely sign with a junior college in the coming weeks.