Senior football players signed letters of intent on National Signing Day, Feb. 4, in the Varsity Gym.

“We stay in constant communication with them (the boys) throughout the entire process,” Head Coach James Brown said. “We are just looking for a good fit, a great education and the opportunity for them to be successful.”

Senior Mason Miller, who signed to West Texas A&M as an outside linebacker and running back, said when he went on a recruiting visit the team made him feel like family.

“They made me feel important like I was needed there,” he said. “The team camaraderie was just an unbelievable feeling. I felt at home.”

Brown said that some of the seniors had difficulty making their decision because they had many choices.

“Some had a tough time due to the multiple offers they received,” he said.

For senior Myron Gailliard, who signed as a wide receiver with Southern Methodist University (SMU), the position closed while he was considering another offer that fell through, then opened back up.

“My parents told me to relax and let everything work itself out,” he said. “It became very clear that SMU was the place I needed to be.”

Senior Nick Gerhard said making his decision was difficult at first.

“You have to (consider) all the factors: education, the place, the football program and, overall, how it fits,” he said.

Gerhard signed as an offensive tackle with San Diego State University.

“I feel like it’s better for me to get away from home, so I can learn things,” he said.

Brown said it was great to see the seniors sign.

“They, along with the staff, have worked extremely hard during this time, and it is exciting to see that hard work pay off,” he said.

Gerhard said when he signed all of the stress over where he is going to school just went away.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to play college football,” he said. “It was like the world was lifted off my shoulders. Being a move-in from Arizona, I never had a chance to go somewhere to play sports. Coming here and playing for Coach Brown, he gave me the opportunity. I wasn’t going to let him down.”

Gailliard said he feels prepared for college football because of his time here on the team.

“I’ve (already) been put in situations where I’ve had to do next level things,” he said.

Gerhard reports to SDSU July 5.

“I’ll bring a good run blocking core,” he said. “That’s what I’m good at and that’s what they want me for, so it’s a good fit for me there.”

Brown said the most important thing is that the players are going to get a solid education.

He said, “each will bring something unique with them to the football program and make impacts throughout their career.”

Myron Gailliard – SMU – Slot – 5’9” 170
Nick Gerhard – San Diego State Univ. – OT – 6’5” 290
Shaquille Richmond – Kansas – CB ‘ 6’ 175
Dacion Harris – Tarleton State – 6’ 240
Ryan Peschka – University of Texas A&M Commerce – Center – 6’2 – 290
Damarii Tryon – Northeastern State University – OG – 6’2 – 265
Nate Jones – Tyler JC –CB- 5’10- 175
Jalil Kilpatrick – West Texas A&M –WR 6’3- 190
Jelani Kilpatrick – West Texas A&M- WR – 6’3 – 190
Mason Miller – West Texas A&M – OLB/RB – 6′ – 190
Darian Flores – Wayland Baptist University – OG – 6’2 270
Aaron Christy – Abilene Christian University