Six Atlantic City High School football players announced Wednesday, February 4, 2026, their plans to continue their post-secondary athletic careers.
Students, staff, and family members filled the Atlantic City High School Media Center for the announcement.
Dr. Constance Days-Chapman, principal of Atlantic City High School, praised the students as true student-athletes.
“They are six exceptional young men,” Days-Chapman said. “They are true scholars and true Vikings.” She said the school community is proud of the students’ accomplishments and excited to see them advance to post-secondary education.
“We are proud of them and how far they’ve come,” Days-Chapman said. “We also want them to know they always have a home here. Once a Viking, always a Viking.”
Ky’Ree Barksdale will attend West Chester University. The Golden Rams compete in NCAA Division II and have earned 14 national championships.
Edgar Camacho-Garcia will attend Pace University in the fall. The Pace Setters football program is often described as a rebuilding team with a strong focus on academics, community, and character development.
The remaining four student-athletes — Quamir Bailey, Jaylen Day, Jayden Hemphill, and Tamir Rex — will attend Lincoln University, a historically Black university (HBCU) located in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Lincoln University’s football team, the Lions, competes in NCAA Division II as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
Donald Harris, Atlantic City Public Schools’ director of secondary education, commended the students for their success on and off the field. “Not only are they exceptional on the sports fields, they are exceptional in the classrooms,” Harris said. “We wish them the best of luck. All of them are going to do well, especially those who are going to Lincoln University.”
Harris, a Lincoln University alumnus, noted that his son — also an Atlantic City High School graduate — currently attends the university. “I’m so proud,” Harris said. “It seems like more students are discovering Lincoln. Mere words can’t explain the joy and admiration we have for these students.”
Atlantic City High School football head coach Keenan Wright said Lincoln University’s rebuilding football program is focused on improving competitiveness, fostering resilience, and establishing a strong foundation. He added that the decision for the four players to attend together was intentional.
“It was a joint decision,” Wright said.
“It’s a rebuilding program,” Wright said. They’re trying to get as many guys as they can to build the program, and they picked the right guys.”
Bailey, Day, Hemphill, and Rex will all enroll at Lincoln University in the fall.
Athletic Director Chris Ford said National Signing Day highlights the students’ commitment and dedication.
“These students are committed. They put in the time and the work, and it paid off with six of our kids going on to play at the next level,” Ford said. “It’s fantastic.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small also expressed pride in the student-athletes.
“We always want you to go out into the world and continue to make us proud,” Small said. “But always remember — Viking Pride. Viking Strong.” To see a Gallery from National Signing Day at Atlantic City High School, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/uhxAh56T4XUXnFWC8
