Mauldin's McLaughlin Makes It Official

Jonathan "Jon" McLaughlin, Jr., was relaxed, composed and quiet at Wednesday's National Signing Day ceremony at .

At six feet four inches, McLaughlin appears very much the gentle giant, chatting quietly with his parents, while his fellow athletes signed their papers.

McLaughlin, who is the third of four children, told Patch in December that he had been offered scholarships at several schools, but that his top three picks were Wake Forest, East Carolina University and Marshall.

, signed his official letter of intent on Wednesday to play for East Carolina.

"I'm excited to be going there," McLaughlin said. "It really feels like home away from home being up there."

McLaughlin said having a good relationship with the coach was really a selling point for him. He said he felt good about his decision because the coach had listened to all his questions.

McLaughlin's friends couldn't wait to celebrate the moment after the official paperwork had been signed and the photos with family and coaching staff were complete.

Surrounding the 288-pound offensive tackle, friends laughed and joked, while McLaughlin gently pulled a chair out for a young lady to sit down next to him.

McLaughlin is the son of Connie and Jonathan McLaughlin, Sr., and played in the Shrine Bowl.