2023 Gridiron Football All-Americans Sign With Colleges On National Signing Day

The fifth annual Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game proved to be the most diverse and most talented football game in the history of this great event, and it has showed on National Signing Day with the majority of the players from the game going to play college football at the next level including a couple that will be playing at the Division I level. After all their hard work throughout the prep career, it is time to congratulate these Gridiron Football All-Americans by taking the next step in their football journey.

Make sure to keep coming back to this article as it will continue to update when there are more players that decide to either commit or sign after National Signing Day.

West Team:

Center High School (Center, TX) RB Kaden Dixon Signs With NAU:

The first overall pick of the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game Draft earned that right after having an incredible prep career for the Center Roughriders rushing for 4,560 yards and 61 touchdowns on 590 carries including 2,200 yards and 33 touchdowns his junior season. At 6’2, 190 pounds, Kaden Dixon brings power and 4.5/40 speed to the Big Sky Conference where he will suit up for the NAU Lumberjacks.

Escambia High School (Pensacola, FL) LB Jaylin Harris Commits To Heidelberg University:

Jaylin Harris is one of multiple players from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida that has committed to play at a college as he has committed to play football at Heidelberg University, which is a private college in Tiffin, Ohio. Playing for the Gators, Harris had a productive senior season which he had 129 total tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, one interception, and scored one touchdown.

Salmen High School (Slidell, LA) RB Jacobi Jefferson Signs With Pearl River Community College:

Salmen High School (Slidell, LA) running back Jacobi Jefferson was one of the most exciting running backs in Louisiana to watch this year, and he will take his incredible playmaking ability to Pearl River Community College next fall. Jefferson showed his explosiveness in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game where he had a big 12-yard run, which led to the eventual go-ahead touchdown for Team West. The 1st Team All-State running back made a lot of plays for the Spartans where he ran for 1,916 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Escambia High School (Pensacola, FL) DB Tadarius Wright Signs With West Alabama:

Escambia High School (Pensacola, FL) defensive back Tadarius Wright set the tone in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game for what kind of game it was going to be as he had the first interception of the game for Team West. Making those type of plays is what he has done for the Gators as he has totaled 83 tackles, nine pass breakups, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception this past season. The Gators Team MVP will be taking his talents to West Alabama where he will play college football.

Barton High School (Barton, AR) DB Dequincy Wilson Commits To Northeastern State:

Barton High School (Barton, AR) defensive back Dequincy Wilson has committed to play football at Northeastern State. The lone Arkansas representative in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game was a standout two-way player for the Bears. Offensively, the All-Conference player is coming off 65 carries for 548 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with four catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns on offense while defensively, he had 66 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five interceptions, a forced fumble, and a 97-yard pick six.

Foster High School (Richmond, TX) DE Christopher White Commits To Butler Community College:

Foster High School (Richmond, TX) defensive end Christopher White has been a standout defensive end for the Falcons and now, he is going to start his college football career at Butler Community College. At 6’5, 240 pounds, the 1st Team All-District selection was a tough player to block because of his quickness and length. White finished his senior season with 66 total tackles, seven sacks, 15 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and even a blocked field goal. In the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, White was a part of an impressive Team West defensive front with two tackles and a sack.

Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport, LA) LB Hutch Grace Signs With Ouachita Baptist:

Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport, LA) linebacker Hutch Grace is a state champion, Gridiron Football All-American, and now he is going to be a college football player as he has signed with Ouachita Baptist. Leading the Cavaliers to an undefeated state championship, Grace was a tackling machine and an excellent leader for the program with 295 tackles, 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and 11 interceptions including four that were returned for touchdowns. The three time All-State selection ended his prolific high school career with an excellent performance in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game with 3.5 tackles and a sack.

Escambia High School (Pensacola, FL) DT Ryan McVay Signs With Pearl River Community College:

A second Escambia Gator from the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game has signed to play college football in defensive tackle Ryan McVay. The 6’2, 275 pound defensive lineman will join Salmen running back Jacobi Jefferson at Pearl River Community College. Whether it was throughout his high school career or in the bowl game, McVay proved to be very tough to block. This past season, he had an insane stat line of 116 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries. During the bowl game, he stuffed the stat sheet with three tackles, one sack, one TFL, and a huge force fumble that led to the go ahead touchdown for Team West.

Alexandria High School (Alexandria, LA) WR Amyrion Mingo Signs With Arkansas Pine Bluff:

Alexandria High School (Alexandria, LA) wide receiver Amyrion Mingo has been a playmaker on both sides of the football throughout his prep career as a two-time All-District selection on both sides of the football. This past season, he was a first team All-State selection with 29 tackles, four interceptions, 12 pass breakups on defense while he had 19 catches for 204 yards and four touchdowns on offense. Mingo will take his talents to play college football at Arkansas Pine Bluff.

Terrebonne High School (Houma, LA) LB Jalil Matthews Signs With Arkansas Monticello:

Terrebonne High School (Houma, LA) linebacker Jalil Matthews was one of the most versatile defensive players from the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game as he could play either safety or outside linebacker, and he will showcase that at the college level after signing with Arkansas Monticello. Throughout his career, the 1st Team All-District selection was a tackling machine finishing with 160 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. In the bowl game, Matthews posted a tackle.

Warren Easton High School (New Orleans, LA) DE Nasir Hudson Commits To Independence Community College:

Warren Easton High School (New Orleans, LA) defensive end Nasir Hudson has committed to play football at Independence Community College. The Fighting Eagles’ 1st Team All-District selection’s regular season was cut short because of the team’s season ending early, but he made the most of it with 28 tackles, five TFLs, and four sacks. In the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, Hudson was part of a stout defensive line and made his impact with two tackles, a half sack, and two quarterback hurries.

Walker High School (Walker, LA) WR Jamari Evans Signs With Tyler Junior College:

Walker High School (Walker, LA) wide receiver Jamari Evans has had quite the season for the Wildcats in leading them to their best season ever in program history. This past season, Evans had 1,033 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns while earning a lot of awards in the process making 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Parish, and 1st Team All-State. He also was the Offensive MVP for District and Parish this past season as well. The productive wide receiver had one of the biggest offensive plays in the bowl game with a 19 yard reception. Evans will be playing college football at the next level with Tyler Junior College.

Neville High School (Monroe, LA) QB/ATH John Michael Sampognaro Commits To Millsaps:

The hero of this year’s Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game has announced where he plans on playing college football as Neville High School (Monroe, LA) QB/ATH John Michael Sampognaro has committed to play at Millsaps. The 5’10, 175 pound dual threat quarterback came in at wildcat quarterback during the second half of the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game where he provided a spark to Team West with a MVP performance where he rushed for 24 yards including the game winning touchdown.

Neville High School (Monroe, LA) LB Vincent Butcher Signs With Centenary College:

Neville High School (Monroe, LA) linebacker Vincent Butcher is a three-year letterman for one of the top programs in North Louisiana and he will continue his playing career at Centenary College. Butcher is coming off a great senior season in which he made 1st Team All-District with 51 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. In the bowl game, he finished with 1.5 tackles.

Independence High School (Independence, LA) RB Michi Bean Signs With Southwest Mississippi Community College:

Independence High School (Independence, LA) running back Michi Bean has signed to play college football at Southwest Mississippi Community College. Bean has been a great foundational piece for head coach Travis Mikel as the three time 1st Team All-District running back has accounted for 3,456 all-purpose yards and 36 total touchdowns.

Dutchtown High School (Geismar, LA) LS Grant Denicola Commits To Community Christian College:

The lone long snapper from the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game has committed to play college football at Community Christian College in Dutchtown High School’s Grant Denicola, who actually was also the only player to represent both Team West and Team East. Denicola was not only a good reliable snapper, but he also was involved on a couple of tackles and even recovered a fumble.

Dutchtown High School long snapper Grant Denicola (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

Blessed Trinity High School (Ontario, Canada) RB Jayden Gurzi Macdonald Signs With Queen’s University:

One of the two international players from Canada that has played in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game has signed to play college football at Queen’s University, which is located in Ontario Canada. That player is Blessed Trinity High School RB Jayden Gurzi Macdonald. The Team Ontario and Team Canada running back is coming off a great 2023 campaign in which he accounted for 1,023 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns plus four two-point conversions. Macdonald made history as the first international player to participate in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game to sign with a college, and his younger cousin Carson is another bowl game participant as he was one of the quarterbacks to play in the Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game.

Chiefland High School (Chiefland, FL) LB Lawrence Rivers Commits To Gallaudet University:

Chiefland High School (Chiefland, FL) linebacker Lawrence Rivers has overcome a lot to get to this point. Despite being half deaf, that has not gotten in the way of Rivers being a college football player after committing to Gallaudet University. During his prep career, the two time All-Area selection has racked up 122 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, two blocked punts, and two interceptions.

Westminster Christian Academy (Huntsville, AL) LB Zeke Carwile Signs With Campbellsville University:

The only Alabama representative of the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game really came to play in Westminster Christian Academy (AL) 2024 LB Zeke Carwile, and now, he has signed to play football at Campbellsville University. The Gridiron Football Player of the Year candidate had a non-stop motor as one of the leading tacklers not only in the state of Alabama, but in the entire nation this past fall as he paced the way with 205 tackles, 26 TFLs, 7 forced fumbles, 3 INTs, 2 PBUs, a fumble recovery, and a sack. Carwile had a great cap off to his high school career when he helped lead Team West to a 14-7 victory in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game with six tackles, a TFL, a forced fumble, and also a fumble recovery.

Comeaux High School (Lafayette, LA) DB Alex Simon Signs With Clarke University:

Comeaux High School (Lafayette, LA) defensive back Alex Simon is another versatile defensive back that can play cornerback, safety, and linebacker. At 6’0, 150 pounds with 4.5/40 speed, Simon used his length and awareness to get 41 tackles this season. He will take his talents to play college football at Clarke University.

Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) RB Ja’Vain Reese Commits To The Georgia Warhawks (Post Graduate Football Program):

After leading the Northwest Raiders to an incredible playoff run last fall making it all the way to the LHSAA Division II (Non-Select) Semifinals, running back Ja’Vain Reese has committed to play for the Georgia Warhawks, which is a post graduate football program. The Raiders’ bruising running back carried the team to a 1,925 yard and 30 touchdown season and was a Gridiron Football Player of the Week as well as a Gridiron Football Player of the Year finalist. He ended his high school football career on a high note with a rushing touchdown for Team West in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.

Northwest High School RB Ja’Vain Reese Commits To The Georgia Warhawks.

East Ascension High School (Gonzales, LA) OL Adam Wiggins Signs With Centenary College:

East Ascension High School (Gonzales, LA) offensive lineman Adam Wiggins will be continuing to play his college football at Centenary College. Wiggins was a part of one of the best offensive lines in the state of Louisiana this past season and gave up 0 sacks in the process. In the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, he helped pave the way for a rushing attack that had over 130 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Livingston Collegiate Academy (New Orleans, LA) OL Alton Risin Signs With St. Olaf College:

Livingston Collegiate Academy (New Orleans, LA) offensive lineman Alton Risin will be continuing to play college football as he has signed to play for St. Olaf College. At 6’2, 255 pounds, Risin has been one of the foundational pieces for a young Wolves football program as he has made All-District twice including 1st Team All-District this past season. He has also been a top performer for one of our Gridiron Football Elite Camps where he earned an invitation to play in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.

Opelousas High School (Opelousas, LA) OL Joseph Milton Commits To Northwestern State:

Another Louisiana high school football state champion and Gridiron Football All-American has signed to play college football in Opelousas High School (Opelousas, LA) offensive lineman Joseph Milton. The 1st Team All-District and All-State selection has committed to play football for the Northwestern State Demons. Milton led an offensive line that was one of the best in the entire state and paved the way for one of the state’s leading rushers in D’Shaun Ford while helping the team earn their first state championship ever.

Ascension Catholic High School (Donaldsonville, LA) OL Travis Cedotal Commits to McNeese State:

Ascension Catholic High School offensive lineman Travis Cedotal helped pave the way for his star running back Chad Elzy Jr. have a 3,500 yard and 50 touchdown season and now, he has committed to play for the McNeese State Cowboys. The 6’3, 280 pound lineman has been very productive over his prep career for the Bulldogs earning 2nd Team All-District twice (2020, 2021), 1st Team All-District twice (2022, 2023), 1st Team All-Parish once (2022), All-Metro Class 3A and below (2022), and LSWA All-State honorable mention once (2022) on offense to go with making 1st Team All-District three times (2021, 2022, 2023), 2nd Team All-Parish (2021), and Ascension All-Parish 1st Team (2022) as a defensive lineman.

Westminster Christian Academy (Opelousas, LA) OL Brenn Ray Signs With Louisiana Christian:

Another offensive lineman from the Opelousas area that played in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game will be playing college football at the next level as Westminster Christian Academy offensive lineman Brenn Ray has signed with Louisiana Christian. Ray has been a consistent, productive player over his high school career for the Crusaders as a four-time All-District selection including being named 1st Team All-District twice.

Heights High School (Houston, TX) K/P Shawn Haenicke-Prevost Signs With Texas A&M-Kingsville

Heights High School (Houston, TX) kicker/punter Shawn Haenicke-Prevost was one of three kickers/punters from the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game and he has signed to play college football at Texas A&M-Kingsville. The 1st Team All-District kicker/punter averaged over 40 yards per punt and converted on 98% of his extra point attempts. In the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, Prevost made both of his extra points and helped flip the field to help the Team West defense as he averaged over 30 yards per punt during the game.

Comeaux High School (Lafayette, LA) WR Jayden Sonnier Signs With Louisiana Christian:

Comeaux High School (Lafayette, LA) wide receiver Jayden Sonnier has signed to play college football at Louisiana Christian. Sonnier is a really good athlete for the Comeaux Spartans as he played some quarterback last season as well. Last season, he accounted for over 2,000 total yards of offense with over 1,500 through the air and over 600 on the ground. The Comeaux athlete showed his versatility in the bowl game as he had both a carry and a reception in the game.

Southwood High School (Shreveport, LA) DT Travail Hamilton Signs With Bethel College:

Southwood High School (Shreveport, LA) defensive tackle Travail Hamilton was one of many standout defensive linemen from the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game and he will continue to play his college football at the next level at Bethel College. The 6’3, 280 pound defensive lineman was a tough player to block during his playing career as he had over 10 sacks and 10 TFLs this past season. He created just as much havoc in the bowl game finishing with 1.5 tackles and a half sack.

Holy Savior Menard (Alexandria, LA) DT Braylon Dusang Commits To Independence Community College:

Holy Savior Menard (Alexandria, LA) defensive tackle Braylon Dusang was one of the biggest, strongest players to play in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game and now, he has committed to play college football at Independence Community College. The 6’4, 305 pound interior defensive lineman has been a 1st Team All-District lineman on both sides of the football during his prep career and was invited to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game after having a strong showing at one of our elite camps last spring.

Team East:

Isidore Newman High School (New Orleans, LA) LB Isaiah Grant Commits To Centenary College:

Isidore Newman High School (New Orleans, LA) linebacker and two sport stud Isaiah Grant has committed to play college football at Centenary College. At 6’2, 220 pounds, Grant made a seamless transition from the hardwood to the gridiron for his only year of playing high school football as he finished with 30 solo tackles, 12 assists, 1 PBU, and four sacks. The naturally athletic Grant also made an impact in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game where he contributed to the strong defensive effort by Team East with two tackles and a TFL.

Tioga High School (Ball, LA) DB Ja’Corian Norris Signs With The UL Ragin’ Cajuns:

Tioga High School (Ball, LA) defensive back Ja’Corian Norris is the first player on this list to have signed with a Division I FBS college football program as he will take his talents to Lafayette to play for the UL Ragin’ Cajuns. Norris was one of the most underrated recruits in the state of Louisiana from this class as all he did was make plays for the Tioga Indians. The 1st Team All-State selection did it all as he had 91 tackles, seven interceptions including five that were returned for touchdowns, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, five kickoff return touchdowns, and a punt return for a touchdown. Overall, he scored 11 touchdowns in three different ways. Showing off his ball skills throughout the season, Norris showed his big time hitting ability in the bowl game with four tackles and a PBU.

U-High (Baton Rouge, LA) WR/K/P Granville Anderson II Signs With Tufts University:

Perhaps, the best jack of all trades from the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game was U-High wide receiver Granville Anderson II, who showed that he can not only impress with his catching ability, but his kicking ability as well. Playing for one of the most prestigious football programs in the Baton Rouge area in U-High, he set a single season reception record as a junior and has combined to have 109 receptions for 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns the last two seasons. He also has averaged 45 yards per punt and has combined to make 137 of 143 total kicks (field goals/extra points) including a game winning field goal against Catholic High. The versatile playmaker showcased his hands and leg in his final high school game as he had a catch in the game while averaging 31 yards per punt for Team East. Anderson will play his college football at Tufts University.

Episcopal High School (Baton Rouge, LA) RB Braeden George Signs With Navy:

Episcopal High School (Baton Rouge, LA) running back Braeden George is one of the most electrifying running backs in the state of Louisiana and deservingly so, will get the chance play major Division I college football while serve his country at the Naval Academy. The 1st Team All-District and 1st Team All-State running back found paydirt plenty of times this past season as he accounted for 1,854 yards and 28 touchdowns. George capped off his incredible high school career as good as you possibly could in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game as he earned Team East Offensive MVP honors with 84 yards rushing and the team’s only touchdown.

Peabody Magnet High School (Alexandria, LA) WR Dartavin Depass Signs With Grambling:

Peabody Magnet High School (Alexandria, LA) wide receiver Dartavin Depass is another great prospect from Central Louisiana that will be staying in the state of Louisiana to play college football as the 1st Team All-District Offensive MVP has signed with Grambling. Depass is coming off a very productive season in which he made plays as a runner and as a receiver. Last season, the 6’2, 180 pound playmaker had 786 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns to go with 820 receiving yards and eight touchdowns receiving.

Dutchtown High School (Geismar, LA) DT Diego Spears Signs With McNeese State

Dutchtown High School (Geismar, LA) defensive tackle Diego Spears was all over the field making plays in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game just like he was doing it throughout his high school football career as the two time All-District and All-State selection had 120 tackles, 24 sacks, 41 TFLs, and two pass breakups the last two seasons. Spears ended his prep career with a bang and represented the Griffins in a big way by earning Team East Defensive MVP with 4.5 tackles 1.5 sacks, and 2 TFLs. He will continue his high school career at McNeese State.

Slidell High School (Slidell, LA) DE Jalen Anderson Commits To Pearl River Community College:

If there was anybody else that was in serious consideration for the Team East Defensive MVP, it was Slidell High School (Slidell, LA) defensive end Jalen Anderson, who was a living nightmare for quarterbacks in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. In the bowl game, he finished with four tackles, two sacks, and two quarterback hurries. Getting in the backfield has been something that Anderson is used to doing during his prep career. Nicknamed the Joker, going up against him was no laughing matter as he finished as a 1st Team All-District selection. He is the third different player from the bowl game that will be taking his talents to Pearl River Community College.

McDonogh 35 High School (New Orleans, LA) LB Peyton McFarland Signs With Grambling:

McDonogh 35 High School (New Orleans, LA) linebacker Peyton McFarland is the second player from Team East that will be signing to play college football at Grambling. McFarland is another great pass rush specialist that has made a name for himself by getting to the quarterback. This past season, McFarland had 73 total tackles, 15 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and an interception. The former Gridiron Football Player of the Week and 2nd Team All-State selection posted a tackle in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.

Jena High School (Jena, LA) RB Zerrick Jones Signs With Texas College:

Jena High School’s workhorse running back Zerrick Jones has signed to play college football at Texas College. The football and baseball star has committed to play both sports at the next level including football where he excelled at in leading the Giants to their best season yet. Last fall, Jones led the Giants to their best season in program history with 1,965 yards and 32 touchdowns. Rushing for over 4,000 yards in his career, Jones also showed his ability as a kick returner in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.

Jena High School RB Zerrick Jones (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

Pine High School (Franklinton, LA) RB James Owens Signs With Louisiana Christian:

Pine High School (Franklinton, LA) running back James Owens is going to play his college football at Louisiana Christian. The 1st Team All-District selection is coming off a tremendous senior season accounting for 1,665 total yards (1,013 yards rushing and 652 yards receiving) and 25 touchdowns. The three-time All-District selection earned his invitation to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game after having a standout performance at the Gridiron Football Elite Camp this past spring.

Acadiana Christian High School (Lafayette, LA) QB Samuel Tullos Signs With Louisiana Christian:

Acadiana Christian High School (Lafayette, LA) quarterback Samuel Tullos closes the book on an incredible prep career and now will begin his next story at Louisiana Christian. Tullos was a winner for the Defenders guiding his team to four league championships. The dual threat quarterback has thrown for 4,248 yards and 46 touchdowns while also adding 2,080 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground in the 27 career games.

Southern Lab High School (Baton Rouge, LA) RB Douglas Thornton Signs With Louisiana Christian:

Southern Lab High School (Baton Rouge, LA) running back Douglas Thornton is the third Louisiana state champion football player to have signed with a college as he signed his letter of intent with Louisiana Christian. The two time state champion and 1st Team All-District running back has been a versatile back for the Kittens as he has accounted for 3,500 rushing yards, 700 receiving yards, 35 rushing touchdowns, and six receiving touchdowns.

Jesuit High School (New Orleans, LA) QB Beau Perez Signs With Southeastern Louisiana University:

Marcus Randall’s first overall pick from Team East has signed to play college football for Southeastern Louisiana University. Jesuit High School QB Beau Perez is a big, physical quarterback at 6’5, 225 pounds and as a two year starter for the Blue Jays made a lot of plays under center. He showcased it at the bowl game as well by showing off his legs and rifling a couple of passes during the game. Perez will play college football in the Southland Conference and will make a position change at tight end.

Slidell High School (Slidell, LA) DB Dwayne Mills Signs With Centenary College:

Slidell High School defensive back Dwayne Mills has signed to play college football at Centenary College. The Tigers’ speedy defensive back has played multiple positions for the Tigers as a three time All-District selection including at cornerback, safety, and even kick returner and punt returner. Mills will also run track for the Gents at the next level as well.

Woodlawn High School (Baton Rouge, LA) LB Chris Cooper Signs With Belhaven:

Woodlawn High School (Baton Rouge, LA) LB Chris Cooper has inked his name with Belhaven University to play college football. Despite having most of his senior season derailed because of injury, Cooper showed why he was a college caliber player when he was healthy by displaying his linebacker instincts, speed, and versatility, which was also shown by his dad Chris Cooper Sr., who was also a pretty good linebacker back in the day that played at LSU.

Kinder High School (Kinder, LA) DB Donte Botley Commits To Louisiana Lafayette:

Kinder High School defensive back Donte Botley has committed to play football for the Ragin’ Cajuns as a walk-on. Playing for the Yellow Jackets, Botley has had a successful prep career as a three time 1st Team All-District selection and a three time Defensive MVP. Coming off a senior season in which he had 80 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, the Kinder product enjoyed one final game representing the black and yellow with a great performance in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. In the game, he had a fumble recovery and three tackles for Team East.

Kinder High School DB Donte Botley (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

Notre Dame High School (Crowley, LA) TE Hayden Johnson Signs With Louisiana Christian:

Notre Dame High School (Crowley, LA) tight end Hayden Johnson was one of two tight ends that played in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. The Notre Dame Pio will be continuing his football playing career with Louisiana Christian. Playing for legendary head coach Lewis Cook, the 6’1, 215 pound tight end made 1st Team All-District and 1st Team All-Parish with 14 catches for 275 yards and five touchdowns.

Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) DE Mackenzie Ardoin Signs With Navy:

Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) defensive end Mackenzie Ardoin is the second player from Team East that will be playing college football and also serving his country for the Naval Academy. At 6’4, 220 pounds, the long, rangy, and athletic defensive end had a senior season to remember as he helped lead the Raiders to their best season yet making it all the way to the semifinals with a 1st Team All-State season. The four time All-District selection finished the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game with three tackles.

Parkview Baptist High School (Baton Rouge, LA) DB Mason Warren Signs With Southern:

Parkview Baptist High School (Baton Rouge, LA) defensive back Mason Warren is going to follow his father’s footsteps and play football at Southern. The local Baton Rouge product did whatever the Eagles needed him to do during his prep career whether it was playing running back or playing in the backend of the secondary. Warren’s high football IQ and intensity was matched on both sides of the field including at the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game where he made one of the game’s biggest plays by intercepting Team West QB Anthony Hall during the game.

Parkview Baptist DB Mason Warren (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

Peabody Magnet High School (Alexandria, LA) LB Cedric Allen Jr. Signs With Culver-Stockton:

Peabody Magnet High School (Alexandria, LA) linebacker Cedric Allen Jr. is the second Warhorse to have signed to play college football. At 5’10, 180 pounds, the two time All-District selection has been a tackling machine for his head coach Harry Coleman as he has over 135 tackles as an outside linebacker/safety hybrid to go along with over 13 sacks, five forced fumbles, and three interceptions including two that were returned for touchdowns. In the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, Allen posted a tackle and he will be playing his college football at Culver-Stockton.

Tioga High School (Ball, LA) DB Maximus Kadrmas Signs With Dickinson State:

Tioga High School (Ball, LA) defensive back Maximus Kadrmas is going back to his Midwest roots at North Dakota as he has signed with Dickinson State University. The 6’0, 185 pound 1st Team All-District selection had 38 tackles, 12 pass breakups, three interceptions (two of them were returned for a touchdown, a fumble recovery and a blocked PAT this past season. The Indians’ speedster was also a state champion in the 4×4 as well during his prep career.

Rosepine High School (Rosepine, LA) LB Gabryel Leslie Signs With John Melvin:

Rosepine High School (Rosepine, LA) linebacker Gabryel Leslie has signed to play college football with John Melvin University. The Eagles linebacker finished the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game with three tackles.

Southside High School (Youngsville, LA) LB Corey Ledet Jr. Commits To Dodge City Community College:

Southside High School (Youngsville, LA) linebacker Corey Ledet Jr. has committed to play his college football at Dodge City Community College, which is located in Dodge City, Kansas. At 5’10, 225 pounds, Ledet has one of the most relentless motors that you will find in our Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. After an All-District senior season campaign for the Sharks in which he had 80 tackles, 20 TFLs, an interception, and two forced fumbles, he finished it off with a great practice during the week and a nice defensive performance in the bowl game with five tackles, a TFL, and a quarterback hurry.

Southside High School LB Corey Ledet Jr. (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

Woodlawn High School (Baton Rouge, LA) OL Cedric May Commits To ETBU:

Woodlawn High School (Baton Rouge, LA) offensive lineman Cedric May will be playing his college football at East Texas Baptist University. The former Panthers defensive lineman has made a full time transition to the offensive side of the football this past season and has fit in perfectly. At 6’2, 295 pounds, May is big, strong, and will bring a physical presence to the Tigers.

Rosepine High School (Rosepine, LA) OL Blaine Savoie Commits To Louisiana Christian:

Rosepine High School (Rosepine, LA) offensive lineman Blaine Savoie will continue to play college football at Louisiana Christian. The 5’11, 265 pound offensive lineman earned an invitation to play in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game after a strong performance at the Elite Camp this past spring. Savoie is one of the offensive linemen that paved the way for Braeden George to have an MVP performance on the ground for Team East in the bowl game.

Marksville High School (Marksville, LA) DT Demerion Dupas Signs With Henderson State:

Marksville High School (Marksville, LA) defensive tackle Demerion Dupas is going to continue his playing career as he has signed to play football with Henderson State. Playing for the Tigers, Dupas has enjoyed a great prep career earning 154 total tackles (62 solo), five sacks, and a forced fumble while also making All-District and All-Parish for three straight years. In the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, the 6’1, 265 pound defensive tackle showed why he averaged at least five tackles per game throughout his career with 3.5 tackles and a sack.

Loreauville High School (Loreauville, LA) DE Kaine Olivier Signs With Northwestern State:

Loreauville High School (Loreauville, LA) defensive end Kaine Olivier has signed to play college football at Northwestern State. The 6’4, 210 pound pass rusher was a force to be reckoned with at the 2A level in Louisiana as he was selected to be All-State this past season, and now he is going to play for the Demons from the Southland Conference. Playing on a talented Team East defensive line, Olivier was involved in getting to the backfield finishing with a sack in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game.

Sterlington High School (Monroe, LA) OT Mitch Hodnett Signs With TCU:

The highest rated signee from the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game is Sterlington High School (Monroe, LA) offensive tackle Mitch Hodnett, who signed with TCU. At 6’5, 295 pounds, Hodnett has all the tools to be a great Power Five starting tackle for the Horned Frogs. Rated as a three star prospect by 247, Hodnett is also a fantastic track and field athlete as a top five finisher in the state championship finals.

Kenner Discovery High School (Kenner, LA) WR Lance Rumbelow Commits To Calumet College of Saint Joseph:

Kenner Discovery High School (Kenner, LA) wide receiver Lance Rumbelow has committed to play college football at Calumet College of St. Joseph. Rumbelow was a big play threat for the Owls as he averaged over 26 yards per catch on 14 catches for 365 yards and six touchdowns. He also averaged 30 yards per punt return and 29 yards per kick return as well.

If you are a Class of 2025 prospect that wants another chance to show off your skills at the 2024 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, then make sure to come to one of our camps this spring! You can register for a camp near you when you click the image below!

Read more about the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game and watch the full game below!