Providing a salute: Several Panhandle athletes see hard work pay off, continue careers in college
Wednesday is National Signing Day. Over the past few years, the pomp and circumstance around the event has received less fanfare than it used to as Early Signing Day has become when many of the so called "big names" make their commitments known.
That doesn't take away from the fact that Wednesday is a day where untold numbers of young people will have their lives changed for the better.
Matt Stepp of Dave Campbell's Texas Football said it best Monday on Twitter.
"Wednesday won't have as many ‘big name’ kids sign LOIs but it's probably more important because so many lives potentially can be changed by kids getting to use sports as a vehicle to further their education," Stepp said.
I mentioned last week that I'm on my own here for the time being. Though we've been invited to nearly every signing in the area, I'm just one person. I'll be at many signings tomorrow, but until they perfect cloning, and ensure me there won't be a Star Wars Episode II situation, I can't be everywhere at once.
So, here’s a shout out to some of the athletes signing today who I won't be able to cover in person. Know that just because I, or someone else, may not be able to head out — it doesn't mean we don't know or recognize the work you've put in to get here.
Don't be discouraged if you don't see your name here. We may not have gotten the memo that you were signing. At the end, we'll let you know where we will be today and we hope to see you there.
Cash money
Javin Cash has been a do-it-all athlete throughout his time at Canyon High School. Even just in the sport of football, he had to take on offensive duty at running back in the second half of last season. He's made his mark at linebacker, though, and it's what he'll play at the next stop in his journey.
Even though he won't be journeying very far.
Cash will be signing his NLI with West Texas A&M at 6 p.m. at Canyon High School. He'll make the quick trip down the street to play for new head coach Josh Lynn and the Buffs.
Cash was outstanding this past season with 187 total tackles, 29 for a loss, nine hurries, four sacks, two forced and recovered fumbles, and two interceptions. He earned nearly a dozen offers this year, but home is where the heart is.
What a catch
West Plains only carried six seniors on the roster in its inaugural season. That bodes well for the future of the program, but one senior was able to stand out enough to bolster his own future as well.
Trae Ferril will sign his NLI with Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 4 p.m. He'll play receiver in college.
Ferril was a top wideout for the Wolfpack this year. He hauled in 43 passes for 477 yards and five touchdowns. He added 11 tackles on defense.
This is the second ever signing in West Plains history. Cali Bessent signed to play soccer for CSU-Pueblo late in 2022.
Finding his spot
Dylan McWhorter was one of the top defenders on a competitive Borger team last season. Now, he's taking those talents to the next level.
McWhorter will be signing his NLI with Southern Nazarene University at 4:30 p.m. He'll play on the defensive side of the ball.
McWhorter compiled 47 tackles with seven coming for a loss his senior season. He added a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Heart of a lion
The Booker Kiowas had an outstanding turnaround this season, coming up just short of the playoffs after years of one-win seasons. Leo Banuelos was an enormous part of that turnaround and it helped earn him a scholarship.
Banuelos will sign his NLI at 3 p.m. at Booker High School with Colorado Mesa University. He'll play tight end.
Banuelos is 6-foot-6 and 215 lbs. He doubled as a standout linebacker on defense as well.
Where we'll be
Now, here's a look at the places you can see me at if you're interested in getting out and about.
River Road High School, 9 a.m.
Panhandle High School, 11:30 a.m.
West Texas A&M, 2 p.m.
Randall High School, 3 p.m.
Tascosa High School, 4:15 p.m.
Amarillo High School, 6 p.m.
Hart Pisani is a sports reporter for the Amarillo Globe-News. He can be reached at hpisani@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Providing a salute: Several high school athletes see hard work pay off, continue careers in college
