Alexander Auditorium was the home of National Signing Day for nearly 20 Panther players today as they signed their letters of intent to play football around the country next fall. Players signed with a variety of colleges and universities including the University of North, West Point Army, Texas State and many more.

“This is another chapter in the lives of several young men today,” recruiting coach Eric Mims said. “We are proud of these athletes for the season they had and for getting to this point in their lives.”

The day opened with a special video from high school head principal Ms. Tia Simmons who addressed the players via a live video.

” I want to say thank you for a tremendous first season as a Panther,” Simmons said. “Thank you for allowing me to be your sideline partner throughout the season.”

Quarterback Jaylen Nelson sustained a season ending injury in the game against DeSoto but Texas State is still offering him the opportunity to continue his career there.

“Unfortunately my I had to finish the season from the sidelines,” Nelson said. “But we are all brothers and everyone rallied behind me and the team to give us a great season. Everyone just kept going to the end.”

Tackle Kameron Holloway who will be headed to West Point said he is more than excited about where he is headed next year.

“When I visited the campus at West Point, the atmosphere was great,” Holloway said. “This day means a lot to me and my family as it is the peak of greatness from the time I was a little boy.”

Running back Tre Siggers surprised everyone with his selection of North Texas over offers from Baylor, Arkansas and many more.

“This is just the best fit for me,” Siggers said. “This is closer to home and just the right place for me to play.”

Head coach Reginald Samples addressed the players and the crowd as he looked across the table at the athletes.

“We are Duncanville the City of Champions and we conduct ourselves that way,” Samples said. “This is a great day for a group of young men who have worked hard all year to help turn this program around.”

Samples went on to talk about what he expects to see from this recruiting class in the future.

“Each of you need to stay focused and make academics your priority,” Samples said. “This is the next step in your life so make the best you can of it.”

Although Ms. Simmons wasn’t able to attend because of another scheduled event she wanted the athletes to know what this day holds for them.

“What I do know is that after today you will be committed to your bright futures at colleges and universities,” Simmons said. “They will see what we have seen in you all along and know and believe to be the best.”

With athletes spread across all parts of the country Simmons also wanted to let the athletes know how important their decision is to the City of Duncanville.

“I know that you will be taking the City of Champions across the Globe,” Simmons said. “You will be representing the Panthers forever and we will always be proud of you.”

With their future ahead of them after today, Mims left each of the athletes with a final thought.

“Although you will be leaving Duncanville to play football the greatest reward for us as coaches is when you come back to visit,” Mims said. We want you to go get your degree and then come back to visit us to let us know you finished the job.”

http://duncanvillepanther.smugmug.com/201617/Arts-and-Organizations/Miscellaneous-/National-Football-Signing-Day-2-1

See our full video below from national Signing Day.