Posted 12:08 am Monday, January 30, 2012
Santos Picks Texas; Childress Says LaTech
By PHIL HICKS
Sports Editor
Two more East Texas football players made their college choices on Sunday — Tyler’s Grant Childress picked Louisiana Tech and Van’s Dalton Santos selected Texas.
Sports Editor
Two more East Texas football players made their college choices on Sunday — Tyler’s Grant Childress picked Louisiana Tech and Van’s Dalton Santos selected Texas.
Both are non-binding oral commitments. The two, along with dozens of other East Texans, will make it official on Wednesday, National Signing Day.
“I’m really excited to represent Grace Community as the first Division 1A signee from our football program,” Childress said. “(Grace) coach Mike Maddox has been great.”
“I’m really excited to represent Grace Community as the first Division 1A signee from our football program,” Childress said. “(Grace) coach Mike Maddox has been great.”
Childress, who plays wide receiver, chose the Louisiana Tech school over offers from Navy, Nevada, Rice, Stephen F. Austin, West Virginia and Texas State.
Texas made a mad late dash for Santos, who had originally committed to Oklahoma State and then Tennessee. Santos, the All-East Texas player from Van High School, had offers from more than 20 BCS schools.
Texas made a mad late dash for Santos, who had originally committed to Oklahoma State and then Tennessee. Santos, the All-East Texas player from Van High School, had offers from more than 20 BCS schools.
Santos’ father, Albert, made his son’s announcement via text to the Tyler Morning Telegraph, “He is going to Texas and he is fired up about being a Longhorn.”
He also stated the younger Santos wants to make his family and hometown of Van proud.
The departure of Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox to the University of Washington and a late offer from Texas ultimately swayed Santos to stay in the Lone Star State.
Santos (6-3, 248) is projected as an inside linebacker for the Longhorns. He starred at Van where he had more than 100 tackles, including 19 for losses his senior season.
He also stated the younger Santos wants to make his family and hometown of Van proud.
The departure of Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox to the University of Washington and a late offer from Texas ultimately swayed Santos to stay in the Lone Star State.
Santos (6-3, 248) is projected as an inside linebacker for the Longhorns. He starred at Van where he had more than 100 tackles, including 19 for losses his senior season.
Childress was excited about playing for the Western Conference champion Louisiana Tech.
“I really liked that (Bulldogs head) coach Sonny Dykes just renewed his contract for five years and he and (offensive coordinator) coach (Tony) Franklin’s offense will stay in place while I’m there,” Childress said. “As a receiver, I obviously wanted to go somewhere where they throw the ball and with all the coaching changes this year it was important for me to know they were going to stay there.”
Maddox was pleased with Childress’ selection.
“It is a perfect fit for Grant and Louisiana Tech,” Maddox said. “They like to throw the ball a lot and Grant’s strength is as a receiver. It is a natural fit for the two.”
Childress, a TAPPS Division II all-state selection, hauled in 62 passes for 1,107 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran for 297 yards and four more scores.
Childress also said the Ruston, La. has a great business school.
“I plan to major in business and they have a great program there,” he said. “I really like the fact that they are on the quarter system.”
“I really liked that (Bulldogs head) coach Sonny Dykes just renewed his contract for five years and he and (offensive coordinator) coach (Tony) Franklin’s offense will stay in place while I’m there,” Childress said. “As a receiver, I obviously wanted to go somewhere where they throw the ball and with all the coaching changes this year it was important for me to know they were going to stay there.”
Maddox was pleased with Childress’ selection.
“It is a perfect fit for Grant and Louisiana Tech,” Maddox said. “They like to throw the ball a lot and Grant’s strength is as a receiver. It is a natural fit for the two.”
Childress, a TAPPS Division II all-state selection, hauled in 62 passes for 1,107 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran for 297 yards and four more scores.
Childress also said the Ruston, La. has a great business school.
“I plan to major in business and they have a great program there,” he said. “I really like the fact that they are on the quarter system.”
