By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports
Signing day isn’t what it used to be. The addition of an early signing period and the frequency of early enrollment have watered down the first Wednesday in February, a day that used to be an unofficial sports holiday, especially in the South.
Don’t tell that to Byron Dawson. Today is a landmark day for the man who’s been tasked to spearhead the return of college football in Shreveport.
The former state champion head coach at Evangel will enjoy his first signing day at Centenary, 10 months after the school named him head coach of its first football team since 1941.
Today, several local athletes will become part of Centenary 2.0’s first signing class.
They won’t receive athletic scholarships – those don’t exist at the Division III level where Centenary competes – but 80 percent of Division III student-athletes receive some financial aid, either merit-based scholarships or need-based aid packages. They do sign a non-binding NCAA commitment letter.
“It’s saying you’re committed to come here, play football, be a part of this program and lay a strong foundation for college football here in Shreveport/Bossier,” Dawson told The Journal.
Dawson currently has 48 athletes committed to play football. A pair of Parkway Panthers will ink with the Gentlemen – defensive end Kris Mesloh and lineman Jake Morton. Captain Shreve is expected to contribute three (Davion Allen, Cam Randolph, Emmanuel Walker-Hines), while Southwood has two Centenary commits (Corinthian Walters and Dequavious Lemons).
“It’s pretty good for us,” Parkway coach Coy Brotherton said. “I’m happy coach Dawson is there. He has a relationship with us from his time coaching against us. It’s important.
“And (Centenary quarterbacks and special teams coach) Keondre Wudtee played quarterback here — having those two guys that want to come into the high schools, into the coaches’ office and talk ball with us and to give our kids an opportunity to play college football is pretty cool. Those kids can stay at home and start their career.”
Dawson vows to eventually have a player from every local high school team on his roster.
“We have been well-received locally,” Dawson said. “(High school) counselors and coaches and principals have done a great job.
“The big thing is recruiting. We have 20 guys on campus right now. We rise up early in the morning, train and focus on academics. It’s like building a house. You have to have a strong foundation of kids with great academics who learn how to be leaders on campus, learn the rigors of college life and set the culture.”
Although the Gents will officially begin play in 2024, the team will play a full slate of games in 2023.
“We’re going to play sub-varsity teams,” Dawson said. “We will play several Division III schools and some NAIA varsity squads. The games won’t count for us, but we’ll be ready for (SCAC) play in 2024.”
Dawson wouldn’t reveal the entire schedule, but said his team will play Texas College from Tyler, Texas. The 2023 opponents will be “local” or within “driving distance.”
Since the process of building a program is in full swing, Dawson won’t allow himself to think game action is right around the corner.
“The process has been a challenge, but it’s brought together so many great rewards,” Dawson said. “Right now, it’s about learning, growing and connecting. There are so many people supporting us, from the athletic director, the school president and our community. The city is hyped up, pumped up and excited about having college football in Shreveport.”
Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com