By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
National Signing Day isn’t what it used to be – but what is when it comes to college football?
There’s an early NSD in December when the vast majority of top priority high school prospects sign, mostly with Division I programs. There’s the turbulent transfer portal, which peaked last month but still has some tremors that impact rosters.
“It’s just so hard to find (Division I) opportunities right now for high school kids who used to be prime targets for the schools like Louisiana Tech, Northwestern, Grambling and ULM,” said Airline coach Justin Scogin Wednesday after four of his best seniors signed with non-Division I teams.
“The name of the game is make the most of your opportunities, no matter where you are – an NAIA school, Division III, Division II, a junior college,” he said.
That’s what four Vikings did – Ke’Andre Garner going to Ouachita Baptist, Braylyn Jackson to Southern Arkansas, Jeremiah Epps choosing Centenary and Jaylen Bradley heading to Butler (Kan.) CC.
Calvary offensive lineman Hunter Davis is also headed to OBU, along with Captain Shreve receiver Shawn Devers.
Non-Division I schools accounted for 19 of the 22 local signings that happened Wednesday. Six of the seven Shreve Gators who signed went to smaller schools with big ambitions.
The top tier local recruits putting pen to paper Wednesday were Evangel defensive tackle Ashton Dawson, once targeted by Arkansas but winding up at Louisiana Tech; his Eagles teammate, Damari Drake, heading south to Nicholls after backing away from Grambling; and Shreve’s record-shattering running back Jamarcea “Champ” Plater, bound for Tulsa after decommitting last fall from Wake Forest.
“If you’re signing on Signing Day, you’re one of the best high school football players in America,” said Scogin. “I don’t care if it’s Division I, D-I FCS, II or III, NAIA or junior college, there are fewer opportunities because of the portal, and if you’re finding a place to play these days, that’s a big deal.”
Don’t think that every non-Division I signee didn’t notice who was the focal point of Ole Miss’ run to the College Football Playoff semifinals – former Division II quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who had no “stars” from recruiting analysts after his high school career.
Some signees were mindful that Wednesday’s decision was possibly not their last college choice. Making a splash might earn them a chance to move up.
“As of right now, I’m just a Mulerider, and I’m very happy about that,” said Jackson. “God’s got His own course, and whatever He goes is the right path for me.”
For Calvary’s Davis, Wednesday was redemption.
A starter as a sophomore for the Cavaliers’ 2023 state championship team, and a mainstay for their 2024 semifinalists, Davis suffered an ankle ligament injury early this season. He hoped to come back for the playoffs but reaggravated the ankle in his first game back, Week 8 against Huntington.
“It didn’t put that much doubt in me, because I knew I could play, but it did suck, not getting to play with my boys. But at least I get this opportunity to play at the next level, in a really good program, with really great coaches and several Calvary guys who are already there,” he said.
At 6-4, 295, Davis has the frame that fits the offensive line mold at any level.
“I was getting the interest, but not as much attention (from Division I programs) as I thought I should. All these D-2 schools were really invested in me, and all I need is a chance,” said Davis, who as a boy dreamed of playing at LSU.
Now he will be wearing purple, but it will be in an OBU Tigers’ uniform. It’s a program he has visited repeatedly, attending camps since his sophomore year.
“I’m going to be the best Tiger I can be, and try to help them win a natty,” he said.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
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