Manvel's Majic Carries Over to Signing Day

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Manvel Caps Off Season With NSD

Armard Vital

Hearing the word “magical” and Manvel has been hand in hand. Manvel football coach Kirk Martin mentioned that word again Wednesday night at National Signing Day as the Mavericks had eight players sign scholarships on the day when players officially fax in their letters of intent and become part of a college football program.

Headlining the night was All-Everything defensive end Taiwan Johnson, who will continue his career in the SEC for Arkansas. Martin talked about Johnson’s leadership and humility as the nigh got started.

But in all, it was “a good night to be a Maverick.”

“This is what makes you the Touchdown Club Coach of the Year. It’s not hard to figure out why we were successful,” Martin said. “But this night goes out to my coaching staff because they do the work. They get these kids ready with our weight program and teach them great technique so that they are prepared for college football.”

And while all eight guys, and possibly more in the near future, were deserving in their own right, Martin was asked about one player in particular whom this night may hold a little more of a specialty.

“The greatest story of the year is (defensive end) Glynn Cheeks. Here is a kid whose mom is overseas and is raising himself,” Martin said of his defender who will take his talents to the Air Force Academy. “He (Cheeks) lives in a two-story brick home in a beautiful neighborhood by himself. He could have been partying every night if he wanted.  But he’s got good enough grades to go the Air Force.

“He’s just mature beyond his years. That’s what it takes to be truly great. He has led our football team with that kind of attitude and discipline. And that kind of stuff rubs off.”

Martin also spoke of offensive lineman Taylor Romero, a player who was determined to make it to college. But, in addition to his own personal goals, Romero led the way led. Romero was the player encouraging, and was the one dragging kids into the weight room and doing the extras things that helped land this team a place in the state game.

Perhaps that is why this team finished as the state finalist is Class 5A.