Small school athletes make the big time

Nine of the 10 Division I-A NCAA football teams in Texas have at least one player from Class 3A or below, according to Dave Campbell's Texas Football. The magazine went as far as to make that the cover story this year.

Texas Football hails the success of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (Tuscola), Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee (Burnet) and TCU defensive end Tommy Blake (Aransas Pass). Blake was the star running back for Aransas Pass, but was moved to defensive end upon being recruited by the Horned Frogs.

Texas Football cites many reasons small school athletes do well in college, including temperament, athleticism from playing multiple sports, and, in McGee's and McCoy's cases, having coaches as fathers.

Rusk Head Coach Wayne Mahaffey said Texas Football's cover was indicative of an awakening that good athletes compete in all classes.

"There are talented athletes in every class," he said. "The difference is how many there are as opposed to how good they are. I have coached at every level. At 1A, I had guys as good as when I coached at 4A and played against 5A.

"There have always been quality athletes at the lower classifications," coach Mahaffey continued. "We've seen some premier ones lately, with McCoy, McGee and our own Cody Glenn at Nebraska. It's just recognition of what's happening."

Alto Head Coach Keith Gardner echoed that sentiment.

"It's good to see the smaller classifications getting a little recognition," he said. "There are fantastic athletes in every class. I think it's time the smaller divisions get a look from the colleges. This year was a good example of what athletes in Class 1A through 3A can do at the college level."

Dave Campbell's Texas Football lists the current football players, playing for Division I-A colleges in Texas, who are from a Class 3A school or smaller. The magazine even notes some players from small schools who have made it in the NFL. The magazine is currently on newsstands.