National Signing Day at Lafayette
Coach Linn smiles proudly as his players sign on National Signing Day
The hats were lined up on the table. People were gathered all around. A hand, holding a pen, was shaking anxiously. Trump signing a new executive order? No: college signing day at Lafayette High School. On February 1st, 2017, four young men’s lives changed with the signing of a paper. Knowledge Wallace, Dexter Klock, Hezekiah Grimsley, and Tristen Packer all signed their national letters of intent to play football at colleges that they plan to call home for the next four years. The magic of this day will be remembered by the athletes, along with their friends and families, forever.
Knowledge Wallace burst through a hole in the offensive line during a game.
Knowledge Wallace: Starting in the playoffs his junior year, Wallace has made a huge impact at defensive back(DB). He has played football and run track since he arrived his sophomore year at LHS. Wallace will be attending Stevenson University in Maryland. He is very excited to get to his new home. “My dad is happy and relieved because he helped me (with my recruiting) and he is excited to see me succeed,” Wallace said. He said that when he visited Stevenson, he felt like he was home and did not want to leave. Wallace is regularly going to the gym and training so he is fit and ready for college.
Dexter Klock chases down a Warhill player
Dexter Klock: Klock is a two-year starter at offensive line that really picked up steam with recruiting quickly. His first offer coming after the Dinwiddie game, Klock picked up 4 more offers when all said and done, but did not accept any of them. Instead he decided to go to his dream school, the University of Wyoming. “When your number one says you can have a spot on the team, you kind of have to jump at it and hope everything falls into place.” Klock said. He is a slightly scared that he will struggle to compete, but he is mostly excited.
Hezzy finds an opening in the Eastern View defense.
Hezekiah Grimsley: Wide receiver and standout Hezekiah “Hezzy” Grimsley committed late in his junior year, which is pretty early for football recruiting. His heart was set on Virginia Tech and he has never looked back. Grimsley made four or five visits and fell in love. “I felt as if VT fit my play and would put me in the position to succeed” Grimsley said. Grimsley’s parents are tremendously happy he is going to college and Hezzy is extremely thankful that they do not have to pay for his college. Grimsley is ecstatic and ready to get there on July 5.
Tristen Packer focusing on his assignment during the Smithfield game.
Tristen Packer: Linebacker Tristen Packer committed to Wingate University three days before National Signing Day. He felt gigantic relief as soon as he committed. Packer, a three-year starter, talked about how this has been a dream of his since he was little. “It was so unreal to be living the dream I had as a young player”, Packer said. He reflected upon how Wingate is 2 hours away from most of his family which is a definite plus. Packer plans to compete for a starting spot early saying he is not going there to sit around and watch other people play. Packer ships off to Wingate in early August.
Many other Lafayette athletes have committed and will sign this year coming up. Football players Dion Bartlett and Caleb Kraegenbrink will make their decisions soon for college football. Justin Wilson has recently committed to play soccer at Christopher Newport University, and runner Serenity Chavez has made her decision to go to George Mason University. We will keep a close eye on these athletes as this school year comes to a close.
