Jacks ink dotted line
By Russell Payne Sports Editor

It was a very exciting day Wednesday, Feb. 6 when a large group of friends, family, Diboll ISD Administrators and even a soon to be drafted NFLProspect came out to the Diboll ISD Administration Building.

The event was being held for some of the finest student athletes from Diboll High School, as they prepared to take the next step in their athletic careers. National Signing Day has grown to be a very significant day around the country and it had the same level of buzz here in Diboll.

Front and center for the event were five Lumberjacks that had made up their minds on their collegiate homes.

J.J. Hayes, Kyle Prescott, Chance Johnson, Ketarus Stanton and J.R. Youngblood were all integral pieces to the 2007 Diboll Lumberjacks and helped them in reaching the playoffs this season. They will now go on to be come important pieces of their new schools next year, trading the Friday night lights for Saturday's.

Stanton was the sole NCAA signee and will be heading to Louisiana Tech next fall where he will play for the Bulldogs. La Tech is a member of the Western Athletic Conference.

Head Football Coach and Diboll A.D. Gary Martel called Stanton, "our bell-cow."

As for Hayes it will be Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. Hayes made big waves on the Football field and Basketball court this year.

Martel and Diboll ISD Superintendent Brent Hawkins were both very excited and proud of the accomplishments that Hayes has made.

For the other three gentlemen that participated in the festivities, they will have unique opportunity to continue their football careers together at East Texas Baptist University.

That trio consists of Johnson, Prescott and Youngblood, who will also be joined by Ryan Whitworth. Whitworth was unable to attend the signing.

For Diboll to have so many young men go on to continue their playing careers says a lot about the athletics department, teachers, faculty, family and people of this community.