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Northside senior Nick Roberts’ football career will continue at Barton College in Wilson after he signed his scholarship papers Thursday morning in the school’s auditorium.

The 6’0 225 lb. Roberts played linebacker, defensive tackle and offensive guard his senior season as the Panthers went 7-5 and a trip to the second round of the 1A state playoffs.

Roberts said the Bulldog coaches told him his college spot will be middle linebacker, where he made 40 tackles, including 13 for a loss for Northside.

“I’m fine wherever they put me, but I’m excited about playing middle linebacker,” Roberts said. “The position is the quarterback of the defense and I’m responsible for knowing everyone’s spot on the field. I’m looking forward to watching film and getting started.”

Roberts, who also wrestled two years for the Panthers, came to Northside his sophomore year after starting at West Craven HS. He arrived too late to play that fall, but used the time to get serious about the game.

“I had played for a long time and figured out that I really missed it,” Roberts said. “I worked hard in the weight room and just got more serious about football in general. I became more aggressive and competitive and it’s paid off.”

Roberts committed to Barton on his third visit and also went to UNC-Pembroke, Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. and Theil College in Pennsylvania before making his final decision. He will major in Business with a switch to Engineering in the future.

“Barton’s getting a good one,” Northside coach Keith Boyd said. “He was willing to change positions when we needed him too and became more coachable and versatile while he was here. He learned to work hard in the weight room and will be able to play wherever Barton needs him.”