Eight sign with Division I schools
There were eight players—in four different sports—to sign letters of intent with Division I programs Wednesday.
Three Division I signees were among the 10 from Pleasant Grove who participated in National Signing Day, Ashdown also had three of four signees ink letters with Division I programs, and Atlanta and DeKalb each had one sign with a Division I school.
Pleasant Grove’s Xavier Benson signed to continue his careers at Texas Tech, joining the Red Raider football team this fall.
PG golfer Braxton Watkins signed with the University of Houston, and Carson Cox, who was also a member of the Hawks’ 16-0 Class 4A, Division II state championship football team, chose baseball and signed with Wichita State University.
“To have ten young men sign today is extremely special,” Athletic Director and head football coach Josh Gibson said. “It is an exciting time for the athletes, and I know it has been stressful for the families in going through the process.
Jaden Hill, Ashdown’s quarterback, also selected baseball and inked with LSU as a pitcher. Detravion Green signed to play football at Arkansas State University, and Ashdown’s LaDarius Bishop inked with the University of Arkansas.
JaQuan Jackson of DeKalb picked Northwestern State University to play football, and Atlanta’s Luke Anthony will run track and field at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Xavier Benson, Texas Tech University
Benson signed with the Red Raiders and plans to major in Political Science.
“I chose Texas Tech because they are family oriented, and I can trust them,” Benson said. “They have faith in my and trust in me. They know that I can be a playmaker, and I loved it there.
“I am looking forward to being on my own. I want to be very successful in life.”
Benson said his dream is to play in the NFL and to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Xavier is the son of Byron and Jacqueline Benson.
Carson Cox, Wichita State University
Cox is one of the newest recruits of the Shockers and plans to major in Physical Therapy.
“I chose Wichita State because once I set foot on the campus it felt right. I fell in love with the facilities and the dorm rooms, it felt like home, and the coaches are great.
“I will enjoy the freedom, but I am pretty smart so I am not going to do anything stupid while I am there. Baseball is what I want to do all day. My long term goal is to play Major League baseball.”
Head baseball coach Riley Fincher praised Cox’s work ethic, among other things, and has coached Cox for all four of his high school years.
“Carson is a tireless worker and he is humble,” Fincher said. “Since the time he stepped on campus as a freshman, I could tell that he had the opportunity to be a special athlete. He has put forth unbelievable work, and, with what he has accomplished, it is a testament to what type of athlete he is and his character. He is one of those few players in high school who is a threat, offensively and defensively.”
Carson is the son of Billy and
Lisa Cox.
Braxton Watkins, University of Houston, golf
Watkins signed on and became a Cougar and plans to major in Business or Marketing.
“Houston is the best golfing school in the NCAA and has won 16 national championships, so that is hard to turn down,” Watkins said. “I had other offers but Houston is where I want to go. I am ready to get better in golf. The facilities are coaches are really good there.
“I want to play on the PGA Tour; that has always been my dream, and hopefully I can fulfill it.”
Rick Rogers has been Watkins’ golf coach for all four of his high school years.
“Braxton has brought leadership to the team, every since he was a freshman,” Rogers said. “He once shot a 59 at Idabel Country Club. I wish that I had a lot of players like Braxton. He is a good kid, does things right, and is just a really good player.”
Braxton is the son of Barry and Hollye Watkins.
JaQuan Jackson, Northwestern State University
JaQuan Jackson signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Northwestern State University athletic program.
Jackson was a recipient of the Week 5 Texas Football Player of the Week award for his eight touchdowns and 387 yards against New Diana. Jackson finished his senior campaign with 2,867 yards on 324 carries and 48 touchdowns.
“It’s been a fun day for JaQuan,” DeKalb head football coach Eddy May said. “We’re excited about him going there and we expect for him to do very well. We have great kids here at DeKalb, so hopefully this will start a string of kids that can go on and play at the next level.
“JaQuan is a great kid. He’s a great athlete, but more importantly, he’s a super individual. We think he will be successful at whatever he does. We look forward to watching him grow and compete in the coming years.”
Jackson is the son of Kelly Proby.
Ladarrius Bishop, University of Arkansas
Bishop inked his National Letter of Intent to the University of Arkansas, over a host of other notable programs across the country.
A longtime Mississippi State commit, Bishop opted to open his recruitment after a few coaching changes and chose Arkansas to play with his cousin and stay closer to family.
“I feels great to sign with Arkansas,” Ladarrius Bishop said. “It motivates me to motivate other people. I just want to put on for the hometown.”
Bishop scored 12 touchdowns before his season was cut short.
Ladarrius is the son of Lance Bishop and Courtney French.
Jaden Hill, Louisiana State University
Hill signed his NLI to attend LSU to play baseball for the Tigers.
Hill was selected as a unanimous All-American and opted for the squad in Baton Rogue over a plethora of other viable baseball programs across the country.
“It feels amazing that all the long nights and early mornings paid off,” Jaden Hill said. “I feel like there’s a lot of success to come because of the coaches hands I will be in. There’s plenty of athletes here in Ashdown, we just need the opportunity. What we accomplished today, just shows people that anyone can make it.”
Jaden is the son of Nikki Hill.
Tre Green, Arkansas State University
Green inked his National Letter of Intent to play at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
Green was a two-way starter for Ashdown and will join the Red Wolves program as a defensive back.
“It feels great to keep my word,” Green said. “It’s great to be a leader here and to mentor the younger guys coming up. The campus at ASU was wonderful and I had the chance to meet all of my professors. Everything is set up perfectly for me and I can’t wait to report to camp.”
Green is the son of Edward Madkins and Maria McElroy.
Luke Anthony, University of Central Arkansas
Anthony signed his letter of intent and will be one of the newest members of the Bears’ track team.
“Luke is dedicated to track and has been a 3-sport guy for us,” Atlanta Athletic Director and head football coach Matt McClure said. “He started on the baseball and football teams. Luke runs the quarter mile and mile relay in track. He is a consistent hard worker and has done an outstanding job. In the summer he competes in decathlons.
“Luke is a great leader on and off the field. He is good with adults and has a great personality.”
Luke is the son of Greg and
Stacy Anthony.