Dontonio Jordan had just about done it all for the Lake Dallas offense, and because of that he signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to play at Stanford.
Jordan emerged as a sophomore wide receiver - catching passes from current Missouri quarterback James Franklin - before moving to running back his junior year in 2010 and rushing for more than 800 yards and 12 touchdowns.
But as a senior this past season, the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder became a dynamic game-breaking weapon for the Falcons, totaling more than 1,100 yards of offense and 18 touchdowns.
"His speed and his strength are both so great," Lake Dallas head coach Michael Young said. "He's built like a running back. His speed and jumping ability all make up for a lack of height. I think teams always look for several different things. Everyone wants the big, tall guy to go to in the red zone, but everyone is still looking for the little quick inside receiver guy and that's what [Jordan] is."
Jordan was the model of versatility as a senior in 2011, rushing for 556 yards and 12 touchdowns while racking up 593 receiving yards and six more scores.
"I think every college loves versatility," Jordan said. "Stanford is really looking for that versatility. They say I could be a mixture. I'd be mostly a receiver, but they could motion me into the backfield and do some other things with me."
Jordan wasn't the only Falcon who will make the move to the college level.
Ferrando Joseph Jr. was one of the best players in the Lake Dallas secondary before finally getting his wish and moving to wide receiver as a senior.
The results spoke for themselves as Joseph had 67 catches for 1,097 yards and tied for the team lead with 11 touchdowns. The move paid off Wednesday when he signed to play football at Louisiana-Monroe.
"He's a steal for them [Monroe]," Young said. "I think he's a big-time, Big 12-kind-of player. I think they got a steal, for sure. He can play several positions. I think he could play cornerback or safety right now or even an outside linebacker spot at some point. He could play running back or inside receiver, too. He's a guy that's just great to have because he can do so many things."
Argyle sends two to Big 12
When Argyle reached the Class 3A Division II state championship last fall, the Eagles had offensive lineman Trey Keenan and quarterback Austin Aune to thank for the run that almost led to Argyle's first football state title.
Aune and Keenan were the two biggest names in this year's signing class, as Aune signed to play football and baseball at TCU, while Keenan will attend Texas Tech this fall. Keenan was not in attendance, as he played in the International Bowl in Austin on Wednesday, an all-star game for some of the nation's top recruits.
Keenan was named Class 3A first-team all-state by The Associated Press Sports Editors, while Aune was named honorable mention.
But for Aune, options exist far beyond the gridiron. Aune, Argyle's shortstop, has been treated so many in-home visits by Major League Baseball scouts that he can't keep count.
The dual-sport athlete said he's honored to play both sports at TCU and is focused on the upcoming baseball season. If an option to play baseball professionally arises, Aune says he would entertain the idea.
"It's a possibility right now," Aune said. "It would be a family decision, but right now I'm just going to focus on my high school season, get things done here and then worry about that when it gets down to crunch time."
Sanger duo honored
Former Sanger quarterback Dane Evans, who enrolled at Tulsa in January, returned to Sanger to participate in the school's national signing day ceremony.
Evans is one of the most prolific passers in Texas prep history, having thrown for almost 9,000 yards in his three years as a starter and 93 touchdowns passes.
Evans threw for 3,057 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2011 while leading Sanger to a 9-2 record with a first-round playoff loss to Celina.
Evans' biggest protector, Jarrett Stastny, a 6-4, 280-pound offensive tackle, also earned a scholarship to play at the next level as he signed a national letter of intent to play at Emporia State in Kansas.
Lake Dallas' Williams headed to Dartmouth
Despite having a few Football Bowl Subdivision offers, Lake Dallas quarterback Dalyn Williams bet on his long-term future Wednesday by electing to play football at Dartmouth, an Ivy League school in Hanover, N.H.
Williams was one of the top quarterbacks in the state in 2011, throwing for 3,952 yards and 37 touchdowns while rushing for 823 yards and 11 more scores.
Lake Dallas had four other players sign letters of intent: kicker Brandon Womack (William Jewell); guard Brandon Charles (Texas Southern); defensive tackle La'Chary Clark (Lon Morris) and safety Daveon Parrish (Midwestern State).
Argyle's Johnson signs with Auburn
Jessie Johnson, the two-time defending Class 3A state champion in pole vault, signed a national letter of intent Wednesday with Auburn, where she says she aims to become one of the best pole vaulters in the nation and one day make a run at the Olympic.
"I guess it's like starting my final chapter," Johnson said of the new opportunity. "I'm so excited, because I'm ready to work to get to the Olympics, get with the college girls and finally compete with all the big boys, per se."
Denton DT signs
Denton defensive tackle Henry Davis signed a national letter of intent to play football at Southwest Baptist in Missouri.
The 6-1, 275-pounder was one of the Broncos' anchors the past three seasons, serving as team captain while steadying the Denton defensive line in 2011. Davis finished the season with 63 tackles and six sacks.
Multiple Eagles sign
Argyle offensive lineman Clint Merka and defensive lineman Tyler Luce-Matzke signed their letters of intent to attend Lindenwood University in Missouri.
Merka was named all-state second team by The Associated Press Sports Editors. Luce-Matzke played a huge role in Argyle's deep 2011 postseason run.
Also, Jay Gonzales signed to play baseball at Howard College in Big Spring.
Carston Bossow and Chadd Bossow - twin brothers who had stellar senior seasons - turned down offers to play college football. Chadd Bossow was named to the All-Texas High School first-team by Dave Campbell's Texas Football. The brothers were both named Class 3A honorable mentions by the APSE.
"We wanted to stay together as twins," Chadd Bossow said.
Liberty sends three
Three players from Liberty Christian will continue their athletic career in the college ranks after signing national letters of intent Wednesday.
Defensive end Brad Horton signed with North Texas, while Josh Cousins, who started at quarterback for the Warriors the past two seasons, is headed to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla.
Alec Conrad, a standout on the Liberty Christian basketball squad, will play next season at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark.
ADAM BOEDEKER can be reached at 940-566-6872. His email address is aboedeker@dentonrc.com .
BEN BABY can be reached at 940-566-6869. His e-mail address is bbaby@dentonrc.com .
