PICKENS — Pickens High School baseball pitcher and infielder Jonathon Ford will be taking his talents to the next level following graduation.

Ford signed last week to be a Coker College Cobra next season.

“I went down there for a camp earlier this year and I really liked their campus and their coaching staff,” Ford said. “They made me feel welcome and wanted. It was kind of like Pickens in a way.”

Pickens baseball coach Blake Dyar said he is very proud of Ford for earning a scholarship.

Rocky Nimmons/Courier

Pickens High School senior Jonathon Ford signed on Thursday to play baseball next season for Coker College in Hartsville. Pictured, standing from left, are Pickens coach Blake Dyar, Ford’s brother, Bryan Ford, and PHS athletic director Stan Butler. Seated is Ford flanked by his parents, Nancy and Todd Ford. Not picture are Pickens High Baseball Coach Matt Smith and Jay Reams of TNT sports.

“He has worked very hard. He has done whatever I have asked him to do,” Dyar said. “He has played infield, pitched and played outfield. He is just a great kid. I am proud of him for signing with Coker College. I think he will do a great job.”

Dyar spoke of how important it was for the Pickens program to have kids sign to play at the next level.

“It shows if you play at Pickens you are going to have a chance to go on and play at the next level,” he said. “I just wish Jonathon the best of luck. He deserves this and has worked very hard,” he said.

Ford said he appreciated all he has gained from his time at Pickens.

“The Pickens program helped me a lot and taught me a lot of things — not just baseball things, but to become a better person,” he said.

Ford has one more season for the Blue Flame before he is Hartsville-bound and then hopes to go into his freshman season at Coker and contribute right away.

“We will see how the next four years go,” he said.