There were six student-athletes from Texarkana and the area to sign their national letters-of-intent with NCAA Division I programs Wednesday during National Signing Day.
Hooks' Benji Johnson signed with New Mexico to continue his academic and football careers; Texas High's Caleb Arnold inked with Lamar University, and teammate Hayden Harrell signed to attend Stephen F. Austin State University. In baseball, Arkansas High had three players sign with Division I programs: Braylon Bishop with University of Arkansas, Graydon Martin with University of Arkansas-Little Rock, and Jackson Harris with Arkansas State University.
"These student-athletes represent over 2.5 million dollars in scholarships," Texas High athletic director and head football coach Gerry Stanford said of the 13 student-athletes who signed at the school's multi-purpose facility. "Signing Day is always an exciting time for family, parents and coaches to see their hard work pay off. This is a great opportunity for them to go off and get an education because of athletics, and that's what you're going to get an education."
Benji Johnson,
University of New Mexico
Johnson played quarterback for Hooks High School during his senior season. He played receiver for the Hornets in each his sophomore and junior years. The University of New Mexico plans on utilizing him as a receiver.
"Benji is dynamic, explosive and very athletic," Hooks head coach Chris Birdwell said. "He is fast and has all of the measurables (run and jump). Benji is a good kid. He has been the center of our team."
Johnson helped the Hornets clinch a playoff berth and also led them to a 52-21 victory over Troup in the first round of the Class 3A, Div. II playoffs.
Caleb Arnold,
Lamar University
Arnold switched his commitment from Texas Southern to Lamar University late last year. He has been a 3-year lettermen for the Tiger football and basketball teams.
"Caleb does so many things right," Texas High co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach A.J. Wilson said. "All the core values that we establish as a program, he exemplifies them he could be the poster child and that is a statement of what his family has done and the core values they instilled in him.
"Caleb is going to have the opportunity to play at Lamar and do just about whatever he wants to do. He has been a great asset to our program. He can play every position in the defensive backfield."
Arnold changed to Lamar because he felt like it was a better fit for him and his goals at the college level. He plans to major in construction management.
"Lamar filled every check mark for what I wanted to accomplish in college," Arnold said. "They wanted me to play the position I wanted to play, they're about brotherhood, and they offered my major."
Hayden Harrell,
Stephen F. Austin State University
Harrell considered giving up football as a sophomore, but he remained in the program, working and improving, and his fortitude paid off with his signing with Stephen F. Austin State University.
"Hayden was a critical part of helping get Texas High back to the position we are in," offensive line coach Jeremy Harrell said. "Hayden has probably made the biggest strides of any linemen I've coached in 11 years. The one aspect I would say exemplifies Hayden the most is toughness; anytime you watch him or his film, he's trying to figure out a way to drive somebody off the ball and protect the quarterback with being as physical as possible."
Hayden plans to major in business management. He said if it hadn't been for the Tiger coaching staff, he would not have had this opportunity.
"Through the phone calls and getting to know the coaches, it just feels like family," Hayden said about SFA. "I can tell there's a good bond on the team, and I am going to fit in well. I like the program and what they're working towards.
"All my coaches (at Texas High) put a lot of effort into me and have helped me succeed. My sophomore year, I wanted to quit. Coach (Jeremy) Harrell said that I needed to stick with it and that I was going to be a star. This team has developed a brotherhood that can't be broken."
The Razorbacks baseball program signed three student-athletes to Division I baseball programs Wednesday.
Braylon Bishop, University of Arkansas
"Braylon is a phenomenal athlete," Arkansas High head coach Layne Berry said. "We were joking about him playing shortstop on the next level the other day. His baseball I.Q. is through the roof. Arkanas is definitely getting a good one. He's been ranked as high as No. 7 nationally, so Braylon has a bright future."
Graydon Martin, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
"Graydon is a guy that can play any position on the field," Berry said. "He's going to UALR as a utility player and they'll get the most out of him. He's one of our leaders and he's a fun guy to be around. Graydon will do whatever he can do for the team. He has a great future ahead of him."
Jackson Harris, Arkansas State University.
"Jackson really showed what he could do in the summer," Berry said. "He's battled injury but his determination and work ethic really sets him apart. He's put in a ton of extra work and therapy he's had to do. It's rare to see a high school athlete with that much determination."