Feb 23, 2015
As Coach Eric Taylor said in the hit football show Friday Night Lights, “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” This motto has held true for senior Varsity football players Jaylon Stiner, Trevon Smith, Elvis Davis and Xzaviar Campbell. The latter three have been signed to play collegiate football next year, and all four football stars have received scholarships to attend their schools.
Smith, recruited by Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) to play defensive end, considers his signing a very big opportunity for him and his family.
“It feels amazing,” Smith said. “I’ve been wanting to play football in college since I was little, and now its happening. It’s a dream come true.”
All the signed players are overjoyed with their future endeavors, especially Campbell. The running back who was signed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas could not imagine anything better for his future.
“It’s exciting to play at the next level, because you don’t know what it’s like going forward,” Campbell said. “But I have high expectations, and I have courage.”
Campbell cited his family as his motivation and inspiration when he’s out on field.
“My mom, my little sisters and my brother; they keep me focused on what matters,” Campbell said. “They are my why.”
Family has also been a motivator for Davis, the defensive lineman who signed to play for Texas College. Davis faced some off-the-field issues along with a torn ACL this past season, but drew upon the support of his family and friends to work hard and finish his high school career.
“I didn’t want parents to have to pay for college,” Davis said. “I am just blessed to say that I got a scholarship. My family and friends kept me pushing, kept me striving. My uncle passed with cancer over the summer. He had saved some money for college, but I didn’t want to use all that money, so I said ‘let me see what I can do.’”
Outside linebacker Stiner has been offered an academic scholarship to attend Baylor University next fall. He will be a preferred walk on, which means he will have the opportunity to get a sports scholarship next year.
“The advantaged to that is that I have a spot on the team,” Stiner said. “Most walk ons have to tryout. Most coaches have seen my tape, and they have a spot for me already.”
After four years of hard work, these seniors can now further their education as well as follow their dreams by continuing their football careers. We could be hearing their names in the NFL one day.
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