Jefferson ISD celebrated National Signing Day as five seniors put pen to paper and committed to the colleges of their choice to play football in the fall.
National Signing Day has traditionally been the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for a collegiate sport with a school that is a member of the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
“There are somethings that I want to talkabout before I talkabout our signees because I think it is important, sometimes, to educate people,” said JISD Athletic Director Antwain Jimmerson. “We are very fortunate to be her ein Jefferson Texas. College coaches from all over the nation come through here; they talk to coaches, counselors and teachers; they try to gather as much information on academics, wihch is crucial, and character, as possible.They want to know what kind of people they are as well as watching the games and practices.
“Thank you, parents and guardians, for investing in thes eyoung men. You should be proud … this is your accomplishment as well: Driving to practices and campms throughout the state and boyond. Thanks for helping them to realize a DREAM.”
2021 graduates Alex Romano, Christian Shepard, Carlos Jackson, Dontavian Gardner and Malik Brasher, joined Zion Hopes, who signed earlier this year to the University of Tulsa, in formalizing their commitments.
Alex, the son of Joey and April Romano, is a 2-year starter and letterman here at Jefferson and was a captain this year. He was 1st team All-District Defensive Lineman as a junior; started on Offense & Defense Line as a senior; a 2-year All-District player; and also lettered in track. He has a Jefferson career of 115 Tackles, 10 TklLoss, 8 Sacks, 4 FF/FR, 1 Safety and 7 BUP. Alex committed to Texas Wesleyan.
Chris Shepard, is the son of Courtney Shepard and Janet Williams, is a 2-year starter and letterman and was a captain this year. He was a 2-year All-District player and also lettered in basketball and track. Chris had career stats of 210 KRYds, 250 PRYds, 1204 RecYds, 16 RecTds, 36 Tackles, 3 TklLoss, 2 FF/FR, 3 Ints, and 7 BUPs. Chris committed to Louisiana College.
Carlos Jackson, the son of carlos Jackson and Nicki Williams, a a 2-year starter and letterman as well as being on the 1st Team All-District both junior and senior years. He also lettered in basketball and track. Carlos has career stats of 270 KRYds, 1 KRTds, 50 RushYds, 150 RecYds, 1 RecTds, 55 Tackles, 1 FF/FR, 10 Ints, 1 Ints/RetTD, and 29 BUPs. He committed to Louisiana College.
Malik Brasher, the son of Yotarsha Oliver and the late Kevin Brasher, is a 2-year starter and letterman. He was also a captain this year, a 2-year A-District player, and also lettered in basketball and track. Career stats include 224 KRyds, 136 PRYds, 1091 RushYds, 8 RushTds, 493 RecYds, 3 RecTds, 60 Tackles, 3 TklLoss, 3 FF/FR, 3 Ints, 9 Bups. He committed to Louisiana College.
Dontavion Gardner is the son of Donquil Gardner and Latoya Rose. He is a 1-year starter and 2-year letterman, experiencing a breakout year as a senior and was 1st Team All-District as a senior. He also lettered in basketball and track. Career stats include 67 KRyds, 589 RecYds, 7 RecTds, 32 Tackles, 2 TklLoss, 1 FF/FR, and 7 BUPs. Don committed to Louisiana College.
The video of the event can be seen on the Jimplecute/Hearld Facebook and YouTube pages.