STAFFORD - Ken Savanah has consistently had solid signing classes come out of Stafford High School.
But nothing like this.
On Wednesday, Robert Wooten signed with Virginia Tech - becoming the first player to sign with the Hokies out of Texas in 18 years - Marcus Smith inked with SMU, Cameron Peters is heading to UTSA and Dabari Hawkins is taking I-10 over to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to complete a record signing day.
"This is great for our kids," Savanah, the Stafford head football coach and athletic director, said. "It's great for the program. We've been consistently getting kids out of here, going to the next level, which is good for the kids that are because they see that it can be done. We preach to them all the time about their grades and how important it is to stay on top of that. And then work to try and get better every year.
"You never stop trying to be the best."
On hand for the signing ceremony was Stafford Municipal School District Superintendent Robert Bostic, PhD., who mentioned the day's historic meaning.
"It's a big deal for me," Dr. Bostic said. "We take it personal anytime our kids make it to this level at such a high level. My coaching staff is outstanding, I would not trade them for anything. In fact, I have a personal belief since I actually selected them, that they are the best coaches in the State of Texas. I know they work really hard with our kids, I know they care about what happens with kids and their families and their futures. They are always going to do what's right for them, so it's a big deal."
For Hawkins, this group of four getting to this day wasn't by mistake, in fact, they have been working towards it since their freshman year.
"Just to see how far we've come is a great accomplishment," Hawkins said.
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Wooten is the headliner of the class.
The three-star defensive end was originally committed to Missouri before a coaching staff change altered his course. After a few weeks, Wooten Virginia Tech, which he fell in love with.
"Their staff, their players, everything they showed me on my visit really sold it to me," Wooten said. "I feel like we're starting something down here, moving everybody from Texas to Virginia Tech. Something great is about to happen up there."
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For Marcus Smith, a few years ago he never thought this day would come. On Wednesday, it did and the offensive lineman signed with SMU.
"I'm really excited, they're coming off a really good season," Smith said. "I know I'm going to be a good part of the team."
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Dabari Hawkins is a "long, rangy corner" that is heading to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
"One thing that stood out was that I felt like a priority there," Hawkins said. "i also loved their facilities and their coaching staffs."
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Cameron Peters, who played quarterback for the Spartans, is heading to UTSA to play for the Roadrunners inside the Alamodome.
"The family environment and the opportunity that it brought to me academically and on the football field," Peters said. "i felt like it was the best fit for me."
