Glenwood football coach Jason Allen says off the field, offensive lineman Frank Warren IV is real gentle, a big teddy bear, but on the field he is more like a real bear.

"He is a dominating run blocker. At 6-foot-5, 345 pounds, he is huge and has really quick feet for a young man his size," Allen said.

Wednesday morning, the senior, affectionately known around the school as "Big Frank," signed a football grant-in-aid with Alabama State University. Fellow students watching him cheered.

"Visiting there was like being with family," Warren said of Alabama State. "I was shown a lot of love. They said they really need someone with my size."

Warren said that during the recruiting process he also talked with Auburn, Middle Tennessee State and Alabama A&M.

Warren's father, Frank Warren III, played at Auburn and also 13 years with the New Orleans Saints.

He died of a heart attack when the Glenwood player was just 8 years old.

"I know my father would be proud," Warren said prior to the signing. "I know he is looking down on me and smiling."

His mother, Terrell Warren, agreed with that and said, "this is a very exciting day for my baby."

This was the first year for Warren at Glenwood. He transferred from Russell County High School.

"It was hard, at first, but then things began to click," Warren said of the change.

The lineman, who also played some defense, helped lead Glenwood to an 8-4 record and the Alabama Independent School Association playoffs.

He was named to the All-State team.

"His attitude has been great," Allen said of Warren. "I believe he'll do well at Alabama State."