Ten sign with FCS, DII teams

It didn't take college football coaches long to realize Texarkana, USA, was a gold mine for recruiters in 2015.

Four local stars are bound for Division I FBS schools, while 10 others signed on with FCS teams or on other college levels.

Texas High led the latter two lists with six recruits, while Liberty-Eylau had three ink, with possibly three more to come at a later date. Arkansas High joined the party with wide receiver Kushaiah Jones signing with the University of Arkansas-Monticello.

The Tigers' signees include Chaz Davis, Matt Davis, Dee Jones, Kip Williams, J'Kardi Witcher and Jerry Wrightner. The young men from L-E continuing their football careers at the next level are Denzel Green, Demarcus Pegue and Arymis Johnson.

Matt Davis,

offensive lineman, Southeastern Oklahoma
State University

"Matt loves the game of football. He's a 6-foot kid; if he was 6-2 everybody would be after him," Texas High head coach Barry Norton said. "He's a student of the game, loved to practice, and liked being in charge of the offensive line, with the calls."

Davis started at center for the Tigers for three seasons.

"When I went on my visit, I noticed they had a lot of programs for students, not just football players but students in general, that I thought I would enjoy," Davis said. "It will be a different experience, but there will be people there who will help me grow. None of it was easy at Texas High; we worked hard. I learned a lot of perseverance, and football was something that I loved. I knew that if I kept with it that I could do a lot of good things with it, which is a lesson that will help me in the future."

Matt, who plans on going into the pre-med program, is the son of Melissa Matthews and Scott Davis.

J'Kardi Witcher, running back, Southeastern Oklahoma State University

"It's a shame J'Kardi is not bigger," Tigers coach Barry Norton said. "He's a great runner of the football. He's got great vision, great strength, great balance-everything that it takes. He's a guy that loved to play, and if he was bigger everybody in the world would be in here recruiting him."

Witcher ran for over 1,500 yards in his only full season at running back.

"I really like the feel that the team is more of a brotherhood at Southeastern," Witcher said. "Everybody's positive around the team, and they want you to pursue your dreams. I like the offense they run. At Texas High they know where is the best position for you, and where you're going to be most successful."

J'Kardi, who wants to major in kinesiology and coach, is the son of Kenyaka Finley and Adren Brown.

Chaz Davis, defensive back, Midwestern State University

"Chaz is a good football player and a wonderful, wonderful kid," THS head coach Barry Norton said. "He's a great student. I really see him, after a year in the weight room, growing into a big kid. He's got great skills, unbelievable explosiveness, and will grow into a great player."

Davis played both sides before settling in strictly on defense his senior year.

"I like the defensive scheme that they run (at Midwestern State); it's similar to what we run (at Texas High)," Davis said. "I'll be put in positions to make plays. I liked the overall feel of the campus. I've enjoyed going to Texas High, especially playing football. I went to every game when I was younger. My coaches prepared me by coaching me like I was in college already. When all of us go off, it's going to be second nature to us."

Chaz, who wants to major in communications, is the son of Theresa Roberson and Rodney Davis.

Jerry Wrightner, defensive back, Fort Hays State University

"Jerry is an unbelievably gifted cornerback; he's got a lot of length," Texas High coach Barry Norton said. "He can really run, and if he keeps working to develop his skills, the sky's the limit for him."

Wrightner had four interceptions and returned two for touchdowns last season for the Tigers.

"Texas High prepared me for the next level," Wrightner said. "Coach Norton is a great coach; he put me in spots I needed to be. They kept me hitting the weight room constantly, and this signing day is a special opportunity for me and my family. It's a gift from God. I need to take it, take it and run with it really. I couldn't be more excited right now."

Jerry is the son of Jerry Tyson.

Dee Jones, defensive back, Henderson State University

"Dee is a guy who you looked at and asked, 'Is he big enough? Is he fast enough?' And all he ever did was do things the right way," Tigers coach Barry Norton said. "He was always in the right position. As a junior he had seven interceptions and was the quarterback of the secondary."

Jones enjoyed Henderson State's commitment to academics as well as success on the football field.

"One of the biggest decisions was how the coaching staff care for each and every one of their student-athletes," Jones said about his decision to sign with the Reddies. "They think of you as a student first and want to see you be successful in a career path, more than just an athlete. The winning standpoint was also appealing, because they're a playoff contender every year.

"The competitiveness and who we played against (while at Texas High) with a high level will help us, and the coaches have been getting us ready for the college level."

Dee, who wants to study electrical engineering, is the son of Canecia Smith and Christopher Jones.

Kip Williams, tight end, Southern Arkansas University

"Kip started at quarterback and moved to tight end, and he is a tremendous leader, wherever he is, whether it's on the field, in the classroom or around campus," THS coach Barry Norton said. "He's a fine, fine young man, who's really blossomed into a really good player."

Williams played quarterback before making the change midway through his junior season to tight end.

"I visited other schools, and the coaches at Southern Arkansas were on a more personal level," Williams said. "You can go on visits and be with 20 or 30 guys, and when I went to SAU there were only three of us, so we got a lot more one-on-one time. I felt more at home there."

Kip wants to study business and major in finance, eventually seeking a law degree. He is the son of Angie and David Williams.

Denzel Green, wide receiver, Stephen F. Austin University

Green wasn't disappointed to hear a potential roommate (Kémon Freeman) had changed his mind about SFA. He was happy for L-E's record-breaking quarterback.

"I decided on SFA because they're going to let me play football and run track," said Green, a standout on both sides of the ball for the Leopards last fall and one of the best long jumpers and triple jumpers in the Lone Star State."

Most of Green's play was on defense, but he's counting on playing offense in Nacogdoches. He does own the L-E school record with a 99-yard touchdown reception last season.

"Denzel is a fine young man, pretty young for his age," Wells said. "He could have played at L-E another year if his mom had held him back somewhere. He's exceptional in track now. Football-wise his best years are to come. He needs to get in the weight room the next four years. He's got the natural ability."

Green turned down offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Nebraska to go straight track.

He is the son of Shelitha Green.

Arymis Johnson, safety, Missouri Science and Technology University

Johnson turned down several other opportunities to play with the Rollins, Mo., school.

"Coach said he'd make sure I graduate," Johnson said. "That's what I want to do more than anything. I want to play football and make sure I get a college degree."

Wells indicated he would be surprised if Johnson doesn't play a lot, and soon.

"Arymis is great at man-to-man coverage. He's always around the ball, a playmaker," Wells said. "One thing you can't coach is how to be around the ball and make plays. He's just excited to get a chance to go play for a Division II school. He's not real big, but he's got a big heart."

Johnson is the son of Anthony and Sue'karbi Johnson.

DeMarcus Pegue, linebacker, Southern Arkansas University

Pegue is another who had a long list of schools wanting his skills and abilities for the gridiron.

"I chose SAU because it's close to home and I know a lot of people at SAU," Pegue said. "It's a wonderful environment. I'll get a chance to play early if I work hard. It's all about work and dedication."

Pegue already has those qualities, according to Wells.

"He has been the cornerstone of our defense inside," L-E's coach said. "He makes calls, is very smart and is successful in everything he does. I think he'll step in and do a very good job for SAU."

He is the son of DeMarcus and Tanisha Pegue.

Kushaiah Jones, receiver, University of Arkansas-Monticello

Playing professional football is Jones' goal, but if that doesn't work out he will focus on mechanical engineering.

"UAM was the school that showed me the most love," Jones said. "When I visited the campus I liked the coaching staff, and the college is a comfortable fit for me."

Jones says his brothers were the most influential in getting him into football. His uncle, Reco Boyd, and mother have given him the most support.

"Kushaiah is humble and is really special," Arkansas High head football coach Todd Ledford said. "No one in the history of Arkansas High caught more passes than Kushaiah. As the season went along, he just got better. Kushaiah will make his impression early and often."

Last season, Jones snagged 54 passes for 613 yards and seven touchdowns. Jones led the Hogs in scoring, with 84 points off of 14 TDs, while averaging 19.2 yards per kickoff return.

Jones is the son of Bridgette Monroe.