Colleges and universities are taking note of the talent on the Rockdale football team, after preseason polls ranked the Tigers as high as No. 7 in the state. Five members of the senior class have secured offers to play football at the next level with 40 offers between them.
Anthony Dansby received his first offer from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. The 6’3”, 175-pound wide receiver caught 27 passes for 443 yards and 6 touchdowns last season.
“It means a lot to me to receive this offer,” Dansby said. “It’s another chance for me to achieve my dreams and further my education.”
RHS Head Football Coach Jacob Campsey praised Dansby on his commitment and work ethic on the field.
“Dansby has dealt with a lot of adversity in his playing career,” Campsey said. “He’s always willing to put in the extra work.”
Dansby said he has only one goal for this season.
“I want to win a state championship. Plain and simple,” he said.
Ty Mayberry received his first offer from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall.
The 6’1”, 240-pound defensive lineman played in six games last season due to an ankle injury. However, he still made his presence felt with 30 total tackles. Mayberry has been a four-year starter for the Tigers and said he’s looking to have a great year.
“I’ve been talking about receiving an offer since my freshman year,” Mayberry said. “My group of friends all have offers and it’s just very exciting to finally receive mine.”
Campsey said Mayberry has been a steady force for the Tigers since his freshman year.
“He just plays the game the right way.” Campsey said. “He’s a hard worker. Whoever signs him will be getting a standout defensive lineman.”
Mayberry said he plans to have a monster year this season.
“I’m going to be an animal this year,” Mayberry said. “My top two goals going into this season is to win state and to get 10 sacks and a ton of solo tackles.”
Jace Robinson received his first offer from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana.
The 6-foot, 195-pound quarterback will be going into his third year as the starter. Last season Robinson threw for 2,324 yards and earned 36 total touchdowns. Robinson received offers from four other schools.
“Receiving these offers means a lot to me and my family,” Robinson said. “It’s an awesome feeling knowing that there are colleges that want me to play for them.”
Campsey said that Robinson is a hard worker and challenges himself to get better.
“He’s always on the field working on his throws,” Campsey said. “He’s a gym rat and takes pride in being one of the leaders for us.”
Robinson said his dream has been to win a state championship for as long as he can remember.
“We have a big senior class and it’s been a dream of ours to win a state championship since we were in the pee-wee league,” he said. “This senior class is a band of brothers and we’re all pulling in the same direction.”
Kesean R aven received his first offer from the University of Texas at San Antonio. The 5 ’9”, 154-pound wide receiver caught 42 passes for 864 yards and 12 total touchdowns. He has received seven offers which include the University of Arkansas and University of New Mexico. Raven said he is thankful for all of his offers.
“The offers mean everything to me,” Raven said. “They are my ticket to get out of Rockdale.”
Campsey said Raven’s athleticism and work ethic make him the special player that he is.
“He’s super athletic and he’s a very good route runner,” Campsey said. “It’s very tough for a defensive back to cover him.”
Raven said he has high expectations for the team this season.
“I want us to win the tough games,” Raven said. “I want to win the bell back against Cameron and I want us to make a long run in the playoffs. “
Cam’ron Valdez received his first offer from the University of Michigan. The 5’10”, 180-pound running back had a huge year last season recording 1522 rushing yards and 28 total touchdowns.
Valdez ranks as the number four all-purpose running back in the country, according to rivals.com, a college recruiting website. He has received 24 offers including Texas Tech University and Arizona State University.
“The offers mean a lot to me,” Valdez said. “It’s cool to know my mom won’t have to pay for my college.”
Campsey said Valdez is one of the tone-setters for the team.
“He only knows one gear and that’s full speed,” Campsey said. “Whether it’s practice or in the game, he makes the rest of the team match his intensity.”
Valdez said he wants to leave his mark on RHS by being in the history books.
“I want to break the touchdown and rushing record.” Valdez said. “I also want us to go further in the playoffs than we did last year.”
The Tigers will open the season on the road against the La Grange Leopards on Aug. 28.
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