Nansemond River High School football standout Camron Stitmon is set to play college football after a promise he made to his father.

This season was a special one for Stitmon. He helped Nansemond River enjoy its most successful season. In the midst of that, he became a first team all-district tight end and a first team all-region tight end as well.

That led to him recently committing to play college football at Virginia State University. He described his recruitment process as an exciting roller coaster ride. He will join teammate Harlen St. Louis and is excited about furthering his athletic and academic career.

His college decision is something that means a lot to him. He made a promise to his father, who died of cancer in January 2014, that one day he was going to play college football, and now he has the chance too. He and each of his brothers made the promise. His older brother is now playing at Old Dominion University and was a standout at Nansemond River previously, and his younger brother plays for Nansemond River as well.

“My dad gave me and my brothers the passion for football,” Stitmon said. “He coached and mentored us since we were playing for the Suffolk Titans and Bennett’s Creek Warriors at the age of 5. From the moment we started playing, my dad never missed a game unless he was deployed. Football is more than just a sport to my family.”

Stitmon mentioned that VSU felt comfortable and felt like home. They have an excellent football program already, and the senior Warrior wants to come in and fill any gaps that he can.

“I was given the opportunity to fulfill our promise thanks to VSU,” he said. “I’m definitely sure my dad is proud of me.”

Being able to play with St. Louis is an added bonus. Stitmon and St. Louis have built a relationship beyond football, and he is looking forward to both teammates pushing each other in the future.

VSU finished last season 10-1, which included being the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association champions. Stitmon will major in criminal justice.

“They have developed a winning culture there, and that’s something I want to be a part of,” he said. “They have a great criminal justice program that will allow me to be a correctional officer or probation officer in the future.”