Updated

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

Email Eric Narcisse at enarcisse@theadvocate.com.