Greetings, Lion fans, and finally, some happier news to report. For football fanatics like Brian and I, there, there are few days like this……Opening Weekend. The thrill of a deep playoff run. A huge Junior Day, like depicted here in 2023. Then, there are now two signing days. The Early Signing Period for Division 1 FBS and FCS (Eternal thanks to Colby Carthel for helping me with that long ago), and this past Wednesday, February 7th. National Signing Day.

Technology has changed many things. Instead of fax machines beeping and humming with offer letters being sent back and forth, more often than not, it’s print, sign, scan, and email. Clint Dolezel had three signees, plus assurances from a fourth, that along with the 18 of the early period, come to a total of 22. The Lions were not the only team that seemed lean in numbers during this period. Every school that is in a rebuilding/transition mode like the Lions, approaches the situation differently. Do you hit the portal hard, and get better quicker? Or build a foundation through the traditional period? There are many risks and rewards to both, most of which depend on the mind of a 17-20 year old that may not know from one day to the next what they want to do. .

That being said, here are the newest members of the Pride:

DL Kaleb Coleman, Byron Nelson HS (6’4″ 225 lbs., 4.8 4o time): Probably Clint Dolezel’s best get yet. The Lions beat out offers from Incarnate Word, Texas State, Montana State, and SFA for his talents. Is related to Kenyon Green of Texas A&M and the Houston Texans; finished his high school career with 41 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries. Has quick feet and good strength; uses hand techniques well; fast for a big man (4.8 40 time) Could be an immediate fit as an edge rusher.

OL Luke Rodriguez, Forney HS (6’3″ 290 lbs. 4.89 40 time) Good use of hand and foot techniques; gets to the ball quickly; great strength, and very disruptive in the middle.

DB Chris Jones, West Orange Stark HS (6’1″ 174 lbs.) West Orange Stark has a long history of producing talent. All time Dallas Cowboys great Kevin Smith comes to mind; Jones has good speed and quickness, and always seems to be around the ball.

DL Robert Graves, Klein Forest HS (6’2″ 230 lbs. 4.5 40 time) Good strength and technique; can swing to the offensive line as well; plays with a fast motor, and never gives up on a play.

Ath. Blake Corner, New Mexico Millitary Institue (6’2″ 230 lbs, 4.5 40 time): Although he won’t be on campus until July, Corner’s Father, former Lion Defensive Back Dusty Corner assures us the his Son Blake, will be transferring to Commerce from New Mexico Military Institute after finishing up his Associate’s Degree at NMMI. He doesn’t look that fast, but then again, he’s not caught from behind. Much in mold of a Spencer Long, Corner has been very good at running back and defensive end; Great strength and speed. Corner had a decorated High School career at Mesquite High School in Gilbert, Arizona (Just outside of Phoenix) where he was first team All-State as Junior on defense and led the Wildcats to a State Title in 2019 and then in 2020 was moved to tailback where he rushed for 1,742 yards. His time at NMMI has proven fruitful as he played as a true freshman and got stronger and faster. Entering college, he has put on 20 pounds of muscle, bench presses 370 pounds, and moved his 40 time from 4.6 to 4.5.

The numbers may not be what we anticipated, they do fill needs. Now for the Spring Game , and to see how they all fit together.

See You At The Hawk.