Fourteen area players to continue football careers
Between Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas, 14 studentsigned a national letter of intent on Wednesday to continue their academic and football careers at the collegiate level.
A.J. Carroll, University Arkansas-Monticello
Carroll played all across the offensive and defensive lines for Daingerfield.
“He’s an athletic big man,” Daingerfield coach Mike Waldie
of said. “He was very versatile and always played hard. He was that kid, there was a handful of them, but he was one of them when I first walked in, he shook my hand, looked me in the eye, and I knew a quality young man to start building around.
“He was a great team leader from the weight room to the way we do our bootcamps during the offseason.”
Carroll was a two-time all-district offensive lineman, the offen-
sive lineman of the year his senior season, and a part of back-to-back district champions.
“We’re going to miss him, and it’s less about football,” Waldie added. “Just A.J. in general. He’s a great kid.”
Reggie Jeter, Southern Arkansas University
Jeter, a three-year starter, was recruited as a defensive back and kick returner for the Muleriders.
“They signed Reggie as a cornerback with the luxury that if you get the ball in his hands, he can make things happen,” Waldie said. “I don’t know that they’ve given up on looking at him as a slot receiver. He can return kicks, and he’s a long 6-1 corner.”
Jeter was a versatile utility for the Tigers, especially his senior year when he was able to move out of the quarterback position.
“He’s the player of the year in basketball, one of the best point guards around, and is a great athlete,” Waldie said. “For us I was happy to see his senior year pan out for the Reggie Jeter I knew. We had so many injuries his junior year, we had to play him at quarterback and were hesitant to play him much on defense, much in the kick return game, because we couldn’t afford to get him hurt.
“He never got selfish, never came in and complained. This year we were able to mix him in at several positions, because he could handle it and we wanted to get the ball in his hands. We even did that on defense, and he handled it with ease. You just have to move on when you graduate a kid like him because you can’t replace him.”
Lucas Hungerford, Howard Payne University
Hungerford signed his letter of intent to play for the Yellow Jackets in Brownwood, Texas.
“The number one thing about Lucas is his toughness” Paul Pewitt athletic director and head coach Ryan Gentry said. “The kids around him knew that he was going to give everything he had to get that extra yard, if he was running the football. He’s very accurate when he’s throwing the football.
“We were able to do some RPO stuff with him at quarterback and take what the defense gave us.”
Off the field Hungerford has a strong work ethic which will also help him transition to the collegiate level.
“He’s a great kid; we always knew we could rely on him,” Gentry said. “He’s a hard worker, he’s been coming up through the program and we knew we could count on him when he took the job.”
Lucas is the son of Jennifer Jones.
Jarret Easley, Henderson State University
Easley, Fouke’s all-time rushing leader, signed his National Letter of to continue his athletic and academic career at Henderson State University.
Easley finished his senior campaign rushing for 1,577 yards, 21 touchdowns and collecting 75 tackles on the defensive side of the ball. Easley rushed for over 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in the Panther backfield.
“He’s the all-time leading rusher here at Fouke,” Fouke head football coach Rick Barker said. “He was a four-year starter for us and was also a two-time All-State selection. He’s the ultimate football player, who loves the game. We’re excited to see him get the chance to play at the next level.
“You’re proud for the kid on days like this. I’ve been doing this a long time and you’re always excited to see a kid get the opportunity to play at the next level, get an education and also play the game they love. He’s a super kid, so it makes it that much better.”
Jarret is the son of Leisa and Paul Easley.
Zach Pilgrim, Hendrix College
Pilgrim signed his letter of intent to play for Hendrix College in Conway, Ark.
Pilgrim was a 3-year starter for Hughes Springs at linebacker.
“Zach is very mature with his approach to the game,” Hughes Springs Athletic Director and head football coach Chris Edwards said. “For him, it is not about the notoriety, it is for the love of the game. He never missed practice and worked hard in the offseason. He has very good character.”
Zach is the son of Jeff and Wendy Pilgrim.
Daulton Hall, CulverStockton College
Hall signed on to become a Wildcat and was a 2-year starter for Hughes Springs at tight end.
“Daulton really made a commitment this past year that he wanted to be good in football,” Edwards said. “He was a guy who would do whatever you asked of him, and he worked hard all summer. Daulton rolled his ankle really bad, and he only missed one football game. He limped on it some, but fought through that injury and continued to play.
“He is a good kid and is that kind of kid who keeps everyone relaxed. He is kind of a jokester, but he always has a smile on his face.”
Daulton is the son of Darren and April Hall.
Ty Menefee, Texas College
Menefee inked with the Steers and was a 3-year starter for Hughes Springs at defensive back.
“Ty had his ups and downs, but he really proved himself,” Edwards said. “He returned kicks for us and played on special teams. He was good on special teams for us. Ty has good speed and been honing his back skills.
“He is a good kid off the field, takes care of his business, and is never in trouble.”
Ty is the son of Yulonda Menefee.
Dustin Williams, Hendrix College
Williams signed his letter of intent to play football for Hendrix College in Conway, Ark. He was a 2-year starter for Atlanta High School at center.
“Dustin is a big kid who has really worked hard on his feet,” Rabbit head football coach and Athletic Director Matt McClure said. “Through the offseason and his hard work, he has gotten to where he moves really well. Hendrix is graduating a center so they were looking for another, and you have to pretty intelligent to attend Hendrix.
“He is a great kid and is very active in the school. Dustin has a great personality and has been one of the leaders on our team. He will do really well in college.”
Dustin is the son of Rodney and Misty Williams.
Derrick Thompson,
Southern Nazarene University
Thompson signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.
Thompson was a catalyst on the 2016 state championship team in the defensive backfield for the Curley Wolves. Thompson also finished his senior season with four interceptions and taking one back for a touchdown.
“Derrick is a smart kid,” Prescott head football coach Tommy Poole said. “He expresses good cover corner skills. I think he will do a great job up there. He’s a very bright young man that has a plan for his future. Southern Nazarene is getting a good football player and we expect “
Kadarius Pearson, Henderson State University
Pearson inked his NLI with Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Pearson finished his senior season for the Curley Wolves snagging 36 passes for 654 yards and five touchdowns. Pearson was a member of the 2016 Curley Wolves state championship
“Kadarius had several offers in-state,” Poole said. “I think Henderson State got a steal by signing him. HSU is very lucky to have him because I feel like they got a very good football player by signing Kadarius Pearson.”
Thomas Muldrow, University of Arkansas
Muldrow signed his NLI as a preferred walk-on at the University of Arkansas.
Muldrow transferred to Prescott from Gurdon and made an instant impact for the Curley Wolves. Muldrow accounted for 19 touchdowns in 2017 for Prescott on both sides of the ball.
“Thomas was electric for us this past season,” Poole said. “He’s capable of scoring anytime he has his hands on the ball, from anywhere on the field. I feel like the Arkansas coaching staff is going to be really happy when they see what he can do on the field. I think the people around the state of Arkansas is going to know his name in a couple of years.”
Anthony Nelson, Arkansas Tech University
Nelson signed his NLI to attend Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas.
Nelson led the Ashdown Panther receiving crops with 39 catches for 602 yards and six touchdowns.
“I feels amazing, I’m just trying to change the culture,” Nelson said. “I’m trying to complete my education and take my football career as far as I can. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I cannot wait to get to campus.”
Anthony is the son of
Shamda and Anthony
Nelson.
Domonick Kight, Coffeyville CC
Kight of Nashville signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his athletic and academic career at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas. No further information was available.
Ty Pettway, Southeastern Oklahoma State
Pettway of Nashville signed his NLI to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma. No further information was available.