Watch: UT Coaching Change Influences Cedar Creek 5-Star's Decision to Sign With Horns
Cedar Creek five-star defensive end Alfred Collins had a big decision to make during the first National Signing Day of 2020. He had already narrowed his focus to Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas, but was ready to announce his final decision. Classmates, teammates, cheerleaders, band members, teachers, administration, media and fans gathered at his Bastrop ISD high school for the 3:50 p.m. celebratory occasion on Wednesday February 5th.
Collins had three great choices, but ultimately decided that he liked playing in Central Texas and signing with The University of Texas at Austin was the right option for him.
"Came down to what the family wanted and staying home," said Collins. "I never would have thought I would be in this situation. [I'm] very happy and ready to start my next chapter."
The Texas Longhorns have had notable changes to their football coaching staff since the 2019 season concluded and Collins was paying attention. Ultimately, the hire of new defensive coordinator Chris Ash and the team's expected 4-3 defense in 2020 sold him on the short move to Austin.
"They switched their scheme to 4-3," said Collins. "I don't like being double teamed, so 4-3 will help."
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End Of An Era: Hays Will Remember Latest Sweep Of Rival Lehman
On Friday January 31st, a pair of Hays CISD schools were thinking about the next round of UIL Realignment, which will introduce new district lineups on Monday February 3rd. The school district's two oldest high schools had their final basketball district meetings before they head to different classifications for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years.
Hays, which will remain in UIL 6A, completed its seventh boys basketball season sweep of future UIL 5A program Kyle Lehman by winning 54-36 in Buda on December 31st and 67-39 in Kyle on Friday. At the same time, the Lady Rebels were wrapping up their 11th girls basketball season sweep of the Lady Lobos. They won 53-31 in Kyle on December 31st and 49-21 in Buda on Friday.
"Felt great," VYPE Player of the Game Luke Watson said of the boys basketball sweep. "Playing Lehman all four years [and] finish out with two good wins."
The Hays boys (18-9, 7-5) leaned on Watson's game-high 17 points to stay in the mix for a 25-6A playoff spot with four district games remaining in the regular season. He had strong starts to both halves and set up important Rebel runs. It started with his seven points in the opening quarter, which paved the way to an early 16-4 advantage. Kyle Lehman (13-16, 3-9) did answer with a 12-5 surge to cut the difference to five in the second period, but seven more Watson points in the third frame and an 11-0 Rebels' start to the second half put an end to the Lobos' comeback attempt.
"I knew Lehman was going to be a tough game," said Watson. "They're a big rival, so I thought I'd come out there, bring a lot of energy, try to get my team going with a few shots and [it] worked out."
Hays also got 13 points from Caden Doyle and 11 from Durand Hill, while Jarek Salinas led Kyle Lehman with 13.
For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX) on Twitter.
Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.