There’s no denying the amount of talent throughout the Westgate High School football program.
Year after year, coach Ryan Antoine and his staff makes sure that talent doesn’t go unnoticed by college programs. Antoine has made an effort to get as many of the Tigers’ players an opportunity in college regardless of the level.
In the Class of 2023, the Tigers had seven players sign national letters of intent. Four of those — Derek Williams, Dedrick Latulas, Jaydun Colbert and Amaaz Eugene — are Division I programs.
Williams and Latulas signed with Texas and Louisiana Tech during the early signing period in December, while Colbert and Eugene signed with Army and Northwestern State on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Williams, a four-star safety coming off an injury-plagued senior season, was committed to the Longhorns since June.
“I’m pretty excited to be going to the University of Texas,” Williams said. “I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to go and play for a great program. This is a dream come true for me.”
Latulas gave those in attendance a bit of a show on signing day as he picked up a Louisiana Tech cap before putting it back down and then revealing a Florida A&M t-shirt leading most of those in attendance to think he had flipped to the Rattlers.
But seconds later, Latulas removed the FAMU shirt and underneath was a Louisiana Tech shirt which led to a bigger roar from those in attendance.
“It was something about the school that made it a no-brainer for me," Latulas said of Louisiana Tech. "It’s a great city and great school. ... I’m happy to be able to make my family proud.”
Colbert played one season at Westgate after transferring from Southside. He established himself as a threat on special teams and said that’s likely where he will begin his college career.
“This is crazy. I really don’t know how to feel,” Colbert said of signing with Army. “To be able to sign with a program that really wants you is just a great feeling. I’ve played defensive back and slot receiver, but I’m willing to play wherever they need me to play.”
While Eugene is joining the Demons, three other Tigers are headed to play college football in Jamon Lee (Ellsworth Community College), Tayshaun Fuselier (Highland Community College) and London White (University of Wisconsin River Falls).
Local signings
FOOTBALL
Peyton Woodring-Ascension Episcopal, Georgia
Tylon Cooper-Eunice, Southeastern Louisiana
Jaylon Domengeaux-Comeaux, Southeastern Louisiana
Nicholas Beckwith-St. Thomas More, Air Force
Dedrick Latulas-Westgate, Louisiana Tech
Derek Williams-Westgate, Texas
Jaydun Colbert-Westgate, Army
Amaaz Eugene-Westgate, Northwestern State
Jamon Lee-Westgate, Ellsworth Community College
Tayshaun Fuselier-Westgate, Highland Community College
Landon Baptiste-Southside, UL
Chantz Ceasar-Carencro, UL
Hunter Fontenot-AES, Centenary
Dylan Duhon-Erath, Arkansas-Monticello
Josh Brown-Eunice, Centenary
Grady Faulk, Notre Dame, Arkansas-Monticello
Kyron Bernard-Comeaux, Centenary
Kiarron Rudd-North Vermilion, Louisiana Christian
Tyler Collins, St. Thomas More, Hendrix College
Germonie Davis-Cecilia, Trinity Valley
Ridge Collins-Cecilia, Coffeyville Community College
Karon Jean-Louis-St. Martinville, Wisconsin-River Falls
Wesley Moore-Northwest, Henderson State
Baseball
Colton Harrison, St. Thomas More, UNO
Noah Melancon-St. Thomas More, Nicholls State
Softball
Bailey Smith, Erath, Baton Rouge Community College