Just months after helping the Hanceville football program return to a level its fans and followers are more accustomed to seeing, two Bulldogs are now faced with a decision regarding where they will play college football.

Diamond Simmons, who was recently named the Class 3A Back of the Year, and Broc Malcom received full-ride scholarship offers from the University of North Alabama Wednesday during an official visit.

That now presents the running back and quarterback with two options after Idaho State extended a similar offer to the duo last month.

“I think it’s a big thing,” Hanceville coach Danny Miller said. “This is a reward for them for the work they’ve done for the last four years. It shows someone is taking notice of what they’ve done and what they’ve accomplished.”

With signing day — Feb. 1 — less than a week away, Simmons hasn’t decided where he wants to play yet, but the three-sport star said he liked a lot of what the Lions have to offer during his official visit.

“UNA is a good college, and the people and fans are crazy,” he said. “That makes me pumped right there. Their football program is great. Next year, they’re supposed to turn D-I, so that makes it even better. I might end up agreeing with that.”

Bobby Wallace, who recently rejoined the Lions as head coach, sat down with Simmons and Malcom during their visit to personally extend the offer.

“The coach has a good personality,” Simmons said. “I look for a coach that actually believes in their players and wants them to become better in life.”

If Simmons accepts UNA’s offer, Wallace would have to decide whether to keep the Hanceville speedster at running back. Simmons ultimately wants to stay in the backfield, but he said he’d give just as much effort if utilized at a different position.

“Wherever he would put me at, I’d give all the glory to God and play hard,” Simmons said. “The next level — NFL — is my goal. I truly believe I can make it. All I’ve got to do is put in more effort and give it all I’ve got on the field — don’t leave anything behind.”

The opportunity to play football for such a successful program is the least of Miller’s concerns. The academic portion of the offer is what the coach has reminded Simmons and Malcom to be grateful for.

“You talk about four years of college education, they’re investing a lot of money,” he said.

That hasn’t been lost on Simmons.

“I was like, ‘Wow,'” he said. “You turn down a scholarship like that, it’s like you’re turning $100,000 down.”

Malcom could not be reached for this story by deadline, but Simmons said he is still hopeful some other schools will look into him by signing day.

“I didn’t expect a lot of coaches to be looking at me because of how bad the program was and we just now started bringing it up,” he said. “I just hope whatever decision I make is for the best.”

Rob Ketcham can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 257 or at robk@cullmantimes.com.