By Tony Burns
Sports Editor
EL DORADO - El Dorado football coach Scott Reed isn't one to look too far ahead. But, he's already got an eye towards the college football signing date.
"We’ve got five kids offered already. We’ve never had this many this early," Reed said.
That included senior defensive tackle Terry Hampton, who had offers from several schools, including Arkansas State, Central Arkansas and Louisiana-Monroe. Reed confirmed Hampton committed to the Red Wolves before the dead period.
"He and his mother went up for an unofficial visit. They showed them the campus and everything and they were very comfortable with it," said Reed. "He decided to go ahead and commit. He had some other people that had already offered him. I think he really liked Coach Early, who is the d-line coach. But, he and his mother felt really good about it and he went ahead and committed while he was there.”
Although limited to less than half-a-season by injury, Hampton recorded 26 tackles, including four tackles for loss with three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 11 QB pressures, a blocked punt and a touchdown as a junior.
The coach said offensive and defensive lineman Kentravious Moore had been offered by OBU, Harding and UAM. Linebacker-running back Tyrek Rucks, a transfer from Smackover, was offered by Stephen F. Austin and Eastern Illinois. He is the son of former El Dorado standout Andre Rucks.
Offensive lineman Denzel Walter and linebacker Mon-trae Marshall have received offers from several in-state schools along with cornerback-receiver Taliq Ellis, who moved to El Dorado from Lincoln, Nebraska.