No. 1 high school football player in the nation Keisean Henderson headlines signing day

The early signing period has started, and high school athletes from across Houston are signing their letters and celebrating the results of their dedication.

"It's more surreal for sure," said Keisean Henderson from Legacy, the School of Sport Sciences.

Henderson, the top-ranked player in the nation, had an emotional moment when he thanked his mom during his signing to the University of Houston.

"For my mom, when nobody believed in me, you were the one that stood by me," Henderson said. "The nights we cried in the room together just to be here. I wouldn't be here with you, and I appreciate you with all my heart, and I love you so much. That's the one person I can look forward to day in and day out, her and my sister, they keep me going."

"It's real, it's not a dream, and I just think I'm just so over proud," Keisean's mom, Erica, said. "I think I'm gonna shed a tear today. It's been a long journey. And I'm so glad and so proud that he picked U of H."

Nine players from Legacy signed, including Michael Brown, who signed with Texas A&M.

"It's a great opportunity, and I love A&M. Whatever they're doing, it just really feels like home out," Brown said.

Jermaine Bishop, from Willis, signed with Texas.

"It is beautiful. It's an amazing feeling, I can't really put it into words, but I'm blessed that God was able to bless me with this opportunity," Bishop said.

Paris Melvin from Cy Springs followed through on his commitment to the University of Houston.

Isaiah Broughton from Cy Ridge chose a school close enough that his mom, Yolanda, won't have to travel far to see him play.

Touchdown Club pre-season and postseason All-Greater Houston member Robert McFarland of Lamar signed with Sam Houston.

Isaiah Williams from Fort Bend Marshall signed with Illinois.

Isiah McMillan from Katy signed with Kentucky.

Kaleb Maryland from North Shore made it official by signing with Utah State.

Two Atascocita signees celebrated together. Cardae Mack signed with Arizona State, and CJ Toney will take his talents to Washington State.

Mack expressed his gratitude for his mother's support, saying, "She's my number one supporter, one of the realest. Even when there were times I wasn't doing my best, she would always tell me that I'm doing my best."

Toney wore a memorial necklace with a picture of his great-great-grandmother. He said, "This is my dad's grandmother, my great-great-grandmother. She passed away. I really do it all for her. Basically, I was her favorite grandchild, and I just want to make her proud."