Local gridiron standouts finalize college decisions.
El Dorado celebrated Wednesday’s football signing day with four Wildcats penning their signatures to universities. Jeremy Boone and Calab Scott signed to play at Ouachita Baptist University. Alex Boone and Chris Newton signed to play at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
“Four great kids that, obviously, have done their homework in the classroom and away from football as far as handling their business when they’re away from us. And, also when they’re with us, preparing themselves physically and also mentally and socially for the next opportunity,” said El Dorado offensive coordinator Nick Vaughn. “Obviously, very few student-athletes get a chance to play at the next level. We’re very fortunate to have four young men who have been given the privilege to take their talents to the collegiate level. We’re real excited about all four of them. We hope to have another one to add in the next few weeks.”
Jeremy Boone earned All-State honors at right tackle and was a three-year starter. Vaughn said OBU will likely give him looks at both guard and tackle.
“He started early on as a sophomore and turned into a full-time starter as a junior,” said Vaughn. “A real impressive young man, high football IQ, understands how to play with leverage and very physical. At the same time, he excels in the classroom, over
a 3.0 GPA. He’s a high-character kid.”
Scott recorded 83 tackles from his free safety position. He had two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He played linebacker as a junior before moving to the secondary.
“Another high-character young man. Played with a motor, not afraid of contact, obviously,” said Vaughn.
“We’re not sure where they’re going to put him in the defensive backfield. They’ve talked about moving him in several different spots. But, he’s a kid that likes to play with an attitude, plays with great effort, very gifted athletically.”
Alex Boone gave the Wildcats a powerful run blocker at tight end. He also snagged 10 receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
“Another outstanding young man with high character,” said Vaughn. “Tremendous football IQ, one of those guys you tell him one thing one time and he absorbs it like a sponge and can regurgitate it with a high velocity of talent and knowledge of what he’s doing. He’s physical at the point of attack but has great ball skills, which is a rarity to find in a tight end body.”
Newton came on strong as a senior. He recorded 58 tackles from the strong safety position. He had 11 tackles for losses and recovered a fumble.
“Probably a young man, of all four of them, has a tremendous upside. His best football is yet to come,” said Vaughn.
“He’s one of those kids who didn’t really start to develop as a football player until late in his junior year. He found his home as a walkdown safety. Physical kid, long, athletic. We’re really pleased with how he’s developed on and off the field. Really excited about what the future holds for him and getting a fresh start.”
Vaughn said both Alex Boone and Newton could contend for playing time early with the Golden Lions, who went 2-9 while competing in the SWAC.
OBU went 12-1 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.