Cameron Diaz signs with Culver-Stockton College

Flanked by family, Nevada High School senior Cameron Diaz is all smiles Friday afternoon at his signing ceremony held at the Nevada High School media center. Pictured front row from left: Mike Boyd, Cameron Diaz, and April Boyd. Back row: Siblings Gavin, Justice and Gauge Boyd. (Photo by Matt Resnick/Daily Mail)

Nevada High School's Cameron Diaz made it official Friday afternoon, signing a national letter-of-intent to attend Culver-Stockton College.

Culver-Stockton is an NAIA school located in Canton, Mo.

"I made the best decision for myself," Diaz said shortly after he put pen to paper inside of Nevada High's media center. "It has been a goal of mine for a long time to play football at the next level. It's a huge accomplishment."

Diaz, a ball-hawking cornerback who starred on the gridiron for the Tigers, led the team this past season with three interceptions, two of which went back for touchdowns. Diaz also spent time as a kick returner.

The Nevada High senior said his preparations for the next level include lifting, staying active and playing catch.

"(My coaches) helped me become the man I am today," he said. "The coaches have always pushed me to get bigger, faster and stronger ---- and just be the best man I can."

In early April, Diaz will embark on a nine-day trip to Ireland, where he was selected to play in an international All-Star football game. Diaz said he was put in a position to succeed by those who supported him along the way.

"Three of my biggest influences are my dad (Mike Boyd), coach Alexander and Larry Wheatley (aka Papa Larry)," Diaz said.

"My dad always criticized my game and pushed me to be the best at everything I did. Coach Alexander always pushed me to play, even when I wanted to quit because he knew my love for the game."

Cameron Diaz with his girlfriend Dalayna Nycole. (Photo by Matt Resnick/Daily Mail)

Wheatley was instrumental in raising Diaz's level of interest for the sport of football. Wheatlely passed away in February 2015, according to Diaz.

"Papa Larry always got a bunch of my great friends together and we would all play backyard football at his house," Diaz fondly recalled. "He supported us in anything we did. He always knew I would play at the next level."

Diaz, who holds a 3.0 grade point average, said he is not only excited about joining the Culver-Stockton football program but is also eager to hit the classroom as he plans on majoring in education or business.

"I'm leaning towards education because I want to teach math," Diaz said, adding that he would like to also get into coaching. This is a good academic school and it feels like a fresh start. I'm excited about it."

Diaz said his favorite athlete is New York Giants superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

"(Odell) is so passionate about the sport," Diaz noted.