By MIKE MONTFORT
A dozen Navarro Bulldog football players made official their commitment to play at the next level Wednesday when the early signing window opened Wednesday, Dec. 21.
It's possible a few more midtermers from coach Ryan Taylor's Bulldogs may commit between now and Friday, Dec. 23. Still, mid-year transfers have decisions to make by January 15, 2023 – two days before the start of the spring semester here. Those who graduate in spring may commit between February 1 and April 1.
Wednesday's first set of pledges came from six offensive and six defensive players. Late Friday afternoon, sophomore safety Michael Boudoin III of Buda Hays became the 13th when he signed with Texas State University in San Narcos.
First-team All-SWJCFC offensive tackle Lysander Moeolo was among the first to make binding a commitment to Syracuse University made verbally in October. Moeolo, a 6-foot-6, 330-pounder from Lacey, Wa., took an official visit to Syracuse in December and it fortified an Orange decision over notable offers from Hawaii, Fresno State, Marshall and Western Kentucky.
Two-time second-team All-SWJCFC left guard Kamon Bradford, the 6-6, 370-pounder from Dallas Skyline, pledged to the University of Cenrtral Oklahoma of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
Another vital part of the offensive line rotation committed also committed to an MIAA program.
Tim Metevia, Jr., a 6-foot-2, 310-pound guard from Plano, selected Northeastern State, Ok.. in Tahlequah, will play for coach J.J. Eckert's Riverhawks. Eckert formerly was head coach at Kilgore College.
Three Navarro receivers with 20-plus catches during 2022 also accepted scholarship offers.
Brandon Hawkins of Waxahachie (28-582-4), who caught passes in eight straight games, signed with UAB. Hawkins selected Conference USA's Blazers over Washington State, UTEP and Charlotte, among others.
Elii Martinez (24-387-2) seized the opportunity to play for third-year coach Mike Salinas' Javelinas, while fellow receiver Wesley Douglas (22-277-1) inked with 26-year-old head football coach Kris McCullough and joined the Tigers in Ada, Ok.
Recruiters picked top talent from Navarro's defense.
Tackle Viontay Robinson chose UTEP over offers from New Mexico State and New Mexico.
Noseguard Clifton Mosley, Jr., fulfilled a near season-long commitment to Utah State University – one of 10 junior college products to pledge Wednesday to the Aggies.
Memphis secured second-team All-American linebacker Chatavies 'C.J' Johnson and Marcus Tillman, Jr. Johnson led NC in tackles (72), while Tillman, a former UT signee, showed hyperactivity in his defensive chart (7 sacks, 11.5 TFLs, 2 fumble recoveries among 4 forced fumbles, three breakups, an interception and a blocked kick).
Defensive back Ty Wilson, Jr., joins Douglas at ECU. Wilson made 40 stops with two interceptions, a fumble recogery and three breakups in nine games for NC.
