They were teammates during high school, and they will remain teammates at the next level.
Liberty-Eylau seniors Dominique Williams and Shayne Porche each signed a letter of intent to play football for East Texas Baptist University on Wednesday at Liberty-Eylau High School.
Williams will play cornerback, punt returner and kick returner for the Tigers. Porche will play wide receiver.
Williams covered the field for Liberty-Eylau's defense and got some time at slot receiver.
"Dominique was the general of our defense and knew where everyone was supposed to be," Liberty-Eylau coach Marlon Byrdsong said. "He is very football savvy, an explosive player, and is a very hard worker. People look at his size and underestimate him. East Texas Baptist knew they were getting a player that made up for his physical size with his heart.
Williams is in the top 25 percent of his graduating class and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Porche started some at safety along with his starting role as a receiver. He was also part of the third-place 4x100 relay team that set a school record with a 41.25 at the state track meet Saturday in Austin.
"Shayne is a very explosive receiver, has great hands and has deceptive speed," Byrdsong said. "He is a deep-ball and long-ball threat. He runs good routes and is fast. Shayne has the possibility of running track for the Tigers."
Williams and Porche were named first team all-district for 15-4A. They will graduate May 23.
"Both of these young men are high-character," Byrdsong said. "They take pride in doing things right and being productive young men. They are using football as a tool to get their education."