By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Ruston High senior running back Dylone Brooks became the fifth member of this year’s senior squad to sign to play collegiately after inking his commitment to attend Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, inside Ruston High’s auditorium in front of his teammates and other students and staff.
“It’s a very special day for me,” Brooks said after his signing ceremony. “Coming out of the season, I didn’t have any offers, and I didn’t think I was going to be picked up to play anywhere. But (Navarro College) came in late, and I’m thankful for this opportunity, and I know I’m going to make the most of what I was given.”
Brooks was given a heads up by Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh that a coach was coming to the school to visit one day after the season ended and was called shortly after.
“He said wanted to offer me over the phone, but he thought it would be better for me to come out and visit,” Brooks said. “He was interested in me and felt like I’d be a great running back for the program.”
Baugh said he was excited for Brooks signing to play college football and believes it reflects that Ruston’s football program is respected by college coaches based on the number of seniors that have signed to play at the next level.
“We’re very proud of the individuals that have the opportunity to go further their career athletically and academically,” Baugh said. “Being able to use their football ability is certainly something special. I read somewhere the seven percent of high school football players have an opportunity to go play college football somewhere. And (in this senior class), it’s five out of 33 so far — that’s a little over 15 percent. So we’re more than doubling that number. It says a lot about our program.”
Brooks rushed for nine touchdowns and averaged over eight yards per carry for the Bearcats and was integral to Ruston’s making the Super Dome for the third straight year.
Navarro College finished ranked fifth overall in the final 2024 National Junior College Athletic Association poll after a 9-2 and an appearance in the Champs Heart of Texas Bowl.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
