National Signing Day features some of the biggest programs in college football, but that's not what we're drawn to at Dave Campbell's Texas Football.
Some of the most exciting and beloved players in Texas high school football were overlooked in this recruiting cycle. The major programs' losses are a gain for small colleges across the state.
In the Permian Basin, a finalist for Mr Texas Football will team up with a running back who led his team to two state championships. Out in West Texas, the leading rusher in Austin area history joins an undersized quarterback who did it all for a brand-new high school. Small college football is becoming must-watch if you're a fan of Texas high school football.
Here are some of our favorite under-the-radar signees from the 2019 signing class.
QB Landry Gilpin, Mission Veterans Memorial
Signed with: Southwestern
Gilpin became the first player from the Rio Grande Valley to win the coveted Mr. Texas Football Player of the Year award, and for good reason. The senior posted numbers that we have not seen since Kyler Murray, and led a big school Valley team to the fourth round of the playoffs for the third time in two decades.
When we awarded Gilpin the highest honor in Texas high school football, he wasn’t receiving much – if any – collegiate interest. Last week, Gilpin announced that he will play college football at Division III Southwestern University. Gilpin has a great shot to have an offense that fits him at one of the youngest collegiate programs in the state.
RB Kenedy Snell, TCU/QB Miklo Smalls, Rice
Signed with: Texas A&M-Commerce
New Lions coach David Bailiff did not shy away from the FBS well when stocking his first roster at Commerce. He prioritized Snell, who starred next to wide receiver Jalen Reagor at Waxahachie. The underclassman should dominate at this level.
Smalls spent a year at Last Chance U, but previously played for Bailiff during his time at Rice. Both players should be able to play at a high clip at the Division II level, and provide a much-needed infusion of talent to a Lions roster that wants to continue winning.
OL Kerry Buckmaster, Independence Community College
Signed with: West Texas A&M
Buckmaster was arguably the breakout star in the hit TV show "Last Chance U" in season three. He spoke extensively about his experiences growing up in a rough situation, and how he dropped everything and drove to Independence, Kan., once head coach Jason Brown gave him an offer. Luckily, Buckmaster will continue his scholarship education in Canyon.
Buckmaster is not the only player from the show to play in the state. Former East Mississippi Community College quarterback DeAndre Johnson is transferring to Texas Southern after spending his junior season at FAU. Dakota Allen will try to be the first player from the show to be drafted into the NFL.