CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) – February 1st is a date high school senior football players dream about: National Signing Day. The day they get to sign on the line and commit to playing football on Saturdays.
Only 6 percent of high school seniors (1 in 16) have the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. This year, six local players saw their dreams become a reality.
Kenwood’s Antwuan Branch, the number 22 ranked running back in the state of Tennessee, had several different offers from schools like Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Wisconsin, and many more. When all was said and done, Branch decided to take his talents to Chapel Hill and play for the University of North Carolina.
“It’s a great program, academically and athletically. I felt like the family atmosphere, the coaches, it was the best place for me all together,” Branch said.
All the faces at North Carolina won’t be new to Branch. He will be joined by Dickson County athlete and Clarksville native, Caleb Rozar.
Rozar, who held several offers including Kentucky, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Nebraska, and Wake Forrest, also decided to become a Tar Heel.
“It was just the best overall place for me,” Rozar said. “I have a goal of being an All-American cornerback, and I believe Coach Chizik can turn me into that.”
Austin Peay, who ended up with the number 1 recruiting class in the OVC and the number one recruiting class in the country for FCS schools, picked up two local players from the Clarksville area.
Kenwood’s Coreon Jackson signed with the Governors. Jackson, who was the fastest player in the Gov’s summer camp, was excited about joining the team.
“Coach Healy and I have a great relationship. He’s always talking about building a culture and building a bond with his players. I see Coach Healy a lot like my father. He’s a good God-fearing man who’s looking to do the right thing and build a program in the right way,” Jackson said.
Clarksville High’s Brevon Johnson was also part of Austin Peay’s 2017 class. Johnson, who was a four-year starter at CHS, is excited about his new journey.
“I think it’s going to be a great experience. My whole family is here, and coach Healy is such a great guy. He recruited me hard and showed me what it takes to be a really good college player,” he said.
Northwest Viking offensive lineman Lawrence Campbell also signed on the line with Bethel University.
The 6’6″, 305 lb. Campbell had some good things to say about his future home.
“I feel like Bethel is a place where I can expand myself as a young man and earn a good degree. I’m worried about my education first. I really want a good degree where I can graduate college and start a stable career for myself,” Campbell said.
K’Marhie Dix, who also played at Clarksville High School, will be taking his talents to the west coast in southern California to play for Antelope Valley Junior College. Dix spent his first two years at Northeast High School.
“I was looking for a college that would make me a better man and a better player. I really wanted to get as far away as possible for a better opportunity to get exposure,” he said.
Northeast Eagle DeAngelo “Texas” Barrios signed with Lindsey Wilson on National Signing Day.
Barrios, who plays defensive tackle and defensive end for the Eagles, is the 7th local player to move on and play at the collegiate level.
“The recruiting process was great, and smooth,” Barrios said. “Coach always was checking up on me making sure that my folks and I were well and wanting me to go on some visits to the campus. On my official visit, I got to meet the rest of the team and they automatically treated me like family. The campus is a nice size, not too big or small. And I loved the coaching staff. They’re a great group of men who really sold the program to me.”
Congratulations to all those who signed this year.