Former Riverview High offensive lineman Rashaun Byrd has signed a football scholarship with Elon University, a Football Championship Subdivision program (formerly I-AA), Sharks coach Bruce Gifford announced Thursday.

Byrd, a two-year starter for the Sharks, had been prepared to accept a preferred walk on position at Bethune-Cookman before Elon jumped very late into the picture. Gifford said Byrd and his family made a trip to Elon’s campus and then the lineman recently signed with the program.

“He’s headed up to start working out with them next week,” said Gifford, who added Byrd also had a few Division II offers.

Gifford said Byrd will be shifted over to the defensive line in college and is set to play at defensive end, a position he saw limited action at during his senior year at Riverview and one in which he performed well.

As a senior with the Sharks, Byrd, a recent graduate, earned All-Western Conference second team honors. He was also a Tribune All-Hillsborough County honorable mention selection.

“He was a real solid palyer for us,” Gifford said.