Doing Work With DJonkins -- Signing Day

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Doing Work With DJonkins

National Signing Day -- A Day of Celebration and Rest

By Matt Malatesta

National Signing Day was a day of reflection for thousands of Houston-area athletes as they look back on their high school careers and look forward to the trail they are about to blaze at the college level.

It was also a day of rest as several clients of trainer Derrick Jonkins could kick their feet up and take pride in the extra work they put in to reach their goals. Jonkins, who provides training throughout the city for some of the most talented prep athletes in H-Town, made his way around to several signing day events on the first Wednesday of February.

“To watch these kids' dreams come true is what it's all about," Jonkins said. "A lot of people have no idea of how much hard work and dedication these kids put in everyday.

"Take a kid like Dekaney's Patrick Martin for example. I started working with him over  two years  ago and I will never forget the day he asked me if I thought he could get a scholarship. I told him as long as he kept making good grades and worked hard every day, that it was possible. He worked his tail off and it paid off for him.

"To see the athletes and their parents on signing day smiling from ear to ear, and expressing their appreciation for my help is what it is all about for me at the end of the day," Jonkins said.

"Helping kids has always been a passion of mine and it's been a blessing to have helped so many over the years to reach their goal of playing college sports," he said. "In life, people find their niche and mine has always been with helping kids."

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The Champs are Here

Dekaney shocked the Texas football landscape by winning the Class 5A state championship. After much deliberation, VYPE Player of the Year Trey Williams signed with Texas A&M. Defensive back Patrick Martin signed with Stephen F. Austin and tight end Armand Nance signed with Boise State University.

The Woodlands Highlanders Head to Prestigious Schools

Highlander Kendall McClenney is one of the most coveted diving prospects in the nation, who signed with Duke University to continue her academic and athletic career. After starting for two seasons, defensive end Mitchell Meyers signed with Iowa State of the Big 12.

The Woodlands Preparatory School Student Headed North

Andee Nelson is one of the few Woodlands Prep athletes to have signed Division I scholarships in recent memory. Nelson,  who stars for the Challenge Soccer Club, will be headed to Marquette after graduation.

Cajun Flavor

Dwayne Thomas is an early graduate from O.P. Walker High School in New Orleans and is training with Derrick Jonkins prior to heading to LSU. He's a four-star commit by most recruiting services.