The Blitz: UMHB QB invited to an elite academy, two players sign professional contracts

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Each week, we scour the social media world for Texas small college news. However, we certainly miss some information, so please let us know if you see anything we have missed on our social media pages or send a direct message to us on Twitter @dctfCFB or @CoryHogueSports.

Shout out to @king_alvie on Twitter for alerting us to this week’s top headline.

Among the Elite

The Manning Passing Academy is the premier summer camp for collegiate athletes. This year’s camp will have a Texas small college member with Mary Hardin-Baylor quarterback Kyle King one of 42 quarterbacks currently invited to attend.

This year's NFL Draft selected four alums of the MPA, Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, Malik Willis, and Matt Corral. The academy had seven alums in Super Bowl LVI, including quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford, Bengals coach Zac Taylor, and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr.

Some of the players joining King at the academy this year are Spencer Rattler (South Carolina), Bryce Young (Alabama), Stetson Bennett (Georgia), Tyler Shough (Texas Tech), CJ Stroud (Ohio State), Cameron Rising (Utah), and Layne Hatcher (Texas State).

Professional Prospects

Former Kilgore defensive back Jonathan Alexander signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears. After transferring from Kansas State, the Fort Worth Trimble Tech product completed his collegiate career at Charlotte.

Former Tarleton quarterback Ben Holmes signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. Holmes was drafted fourth overall in the USFL draft by the New Jersey Generals before being sidelined by a foot injury during camp. Holmes played for the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League in 2021.

Mining the Portal

The transfer portal will be as hot as the outside temperature throughout the summer months this year. 

Two former University of Houston linebackers announced their destinations. Elijah Gooden committed to Houston Baptist and Dekalen Goodson committed to Lamar, while former West Texas A&M kicker Brayden Welch announced his intention to transfer to Wayland Baptist.

Abilene Christian earned two huge commitments with the addition of former Texas Tech tight end Jed Castles and former UNLV wide receiver Pat Ballard.

Four former Texas small college players announced their transfer locations, led by former UIW wide receiver Robert Ferrel committing to Washington State to join his former head coach, Eric Morris, and quarterback, Cameron Ward.

Former ACU linebacker Greg Green is transferring to Western Carolina while former SFA defensive lineman Dennis Osagiede committed to Liberty, and former Prairie View A&M defensive back Drake Cheatum is moving to Kansas State.

Angelo State offensive lineman, Willis Patrick, has multiple offers and has visited Jackson State and North Texas. In addition, the Mansfield High School product visited Maryland over the weekend.

Next Level Commitments

Tyler Junior College made headlines on Saturday when quarterback General Booty announced his commitment to Oklahoma. The Allen High School product has three years of eligibility remaining and is the son of former LSU wide receiver Abram Bootyand a nephew of former quarterbacks Josh and John David. Apaches defensive back Justice Clemons announced his intention to play at Kansas State over the weekend while offensive lineman Robert Pizzolato committed to Nicholls.

Two current Navarro athletes announced where they intend to continue their collegiate careers following this season. Kicker Ryan Shamburger committed to Minnesota, and quarterback Jack Turner announced his commitment to Louisiana Tech. In addition, Trinity Valley offensive lineman Cameron Vaughn committed to Northwestern State last week.

Wayland Baptist added two players, with Lubbock Cooper running back Judge Thomason and Temple defensive lineman Antonio Jones Jr. signing with the Pioneers. In addition, SAGU received a commitment last week from Missouri City defensive lineman Jeremiah Hector.

McMurry, Southwestern, Trinity, and Texas Lutheran have announced multiple players committed to their universities over the last two weeks. The War Hawks are announcing new additions each day at this link; here is the link to find the Southwestern recruits; the TLU commitments are posted here, and the Trinity announced its entire recruiting class at the beginning of May and can be found at this link.

Quick Hits

Mike Craven had SFA coach Colby Carthel on the Republic of Football podcast. Listen to what Carthel would change in college football if he were NCAA king for a day.

The Bluebloods recently interviewed Texas Southern defensive backs, Isaiah Hamilton and Perry Wells.

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