Wednesday was national signing day, when highly sought after high school football players sign their official letter-of-intent to play at the collegiate level.

While there are often surprises like players changing schools at the last minute, one Grand Valley State University recruit was unique in his reasons for foregoing a college scholarship.

Jacques Pougnet (POON-yay), a running back with tremendous potential out of Powers Catholic High School in Flint, turned down a chance to play with his brother Garrett at Grand Valley, so he could move to New York and devote himself full time to a modeling career.

Pougnet told MLive.com that he was spotted by an agent while taking a break from a seven-on-seven football tournament in Chicago a few years ago. The agent then met with Jacques' mother, and signed him to a contract with the exclusive Ford Agency, where he picked up work and was recently featured in the American Apparel catalog.

“It’s different,” Pougnet said. “You get to show a different side of yourself. I’ve always been football, and it’s been pretty cool. But this has come natural, ever since the first photoshoot.”

Pougnet was considered a pretty talented half back while at Powers, rushing for 961 yards in the 2014 season, which ended with a playoff loss to Lansing Catholic. (NOTE: Lansing Catholic lost to West Catholic in the Division 5 title game).

His coach at Powers, Bob Buckel said his side job was never a problem. 

“Four years he was on my football team and never missed one practice. He’s actually the only player I've ever had that’s played for me all four years," Buckel said.

Pougnet was featured in the Ford Agency's "Best New Faces -- Chicago" video released recently.

He also was featured in a country music video for Payton Rae titled "Gone Girl." (Not really a big hit, but nice work if you can get it.)

Last time I checked, full-time male modeling pays WAY more than college football -- and he can always go back to school when his modeling days are over.

More From 100.5 FM The River