The program is also a talent factory producing a large number of college and NFL prospects year after year. In the 2021 cycle alone, the Eagles produced Texas A&M signee Shemar Turner, Texas Tech signee Jerand Bradley, Texas signee Byron Murphy, Arkansas signee Jaedon Wilson, Illinois signee Samari Collier, Colorado State signee Lathan Adams and Connecticut signee Yakiri Walker.
Last night, DeSoto hosted a “College Night” for media and recruiters who wanted to see the Eagles up close. The evening practice featured an extended intrasquad scrimmage and fantastic access for those in attendance. DeSoto head coach Claude Mathis and DeSoto recruiting coordinator Kerry Sweeny put everything together to show off their players and give them a platform for exposure.
The dead period instituted at the beginning of COVID-19 made it impossible for FBS or FCS coaches to be in attendance, but coaches from 9 division II schools representing the Great American Conference and Lone Star Conference were in attendance along with half a dozen media members. That’s what happens when you have a program that has produced players such as Von Miller, A.J. Green, Zach Orr, Tatum Bell, Marcus Tubbs, Ellis Hobbs, Laviska Shenault, James Proche, and Jalen Mills.
For Mathis, he’s used to seeing this type of spotlight on his program. In his words, this is what DeSoto does.
“That’s what I told our kids,” Mathis said. “Not every place has this right here. It’s about relationships and we have great relationships with the college coaches and the media, and we’ll continue to have great relationships because it’s about our kids. To be able to do this on college night and invite the coaches as well as the media, that’s a big deal man.
“Our kids were excited. When they got out here, they took it to another level. They are taking it to another level because they want to be great, but also, with the coaches and media they took it to another level and the competition gets even better out here, so that’s great for us. It’s about us and about the U.
“We try to put as many kids out into college and the NFL as we can and our alumni has done a great job. We’re just trying to keep the tradition going.”
It’s tough to see that tradition ending anytime soon. The Eagles’ prospect sheet given to media and colleges reads like an all-star team year after year. In 2022, prospects like defensive back Devyn Bobby, offensive lineman Cam’Ron Richards, defensive lineman Jordan James and wide receiver Stephon Johnson, who committed to Oregon this spring, highlight a talented group.
Talking to coaches and others around the program, the excitement around the younger classes is palpable. The 2023 class is headlined by All-American wide receiver Johntay Cook, but Dahlyn Jones, Caimon Mathis, Jaden Milliner-Jones, and DeMichael Porter are a few names to watch for college coaches.
2024 could be the most talented group yet with Caleb Mitchell, Brandon Booker, Tyderick Brown, Darius Bailey, Mario Buford and Kameron Robinson all have the look of major college prospects.
The mixture of talent and relationships at DeSoto will ensure that the program continues its success on the field and relevance in the recruiting world.
