Four Amarillo High football players pick schools on National Signing Day
National Signing Day came to a close in the Panhandle at Amarillo High School in appropriate fashion. It featured a pair players who overcame much adversity to make it to the next level and another pair who will continue facing off in college.
What a way to end a day.
Four football players for Amarillo High made their destinations known on Wednesday as linebackers Cooper Ivey and Cohen Berry are heading to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, defensive end Jacob Greeson is going to Eastern New Mexico in Portales, New Mexico and offensive tackle Conner Marricle is going to West Texas A&M University in Canyon.
It was a special day for Ivey and Berry.
Berry was expected to take on an enormous role on defense this season for the Sandies, but a torn ACL in the first game of the season prevented him from having that opportunity. His standout play prior to that, along with his work ethic and determination, helped earn him a scholarship to play for the Cowboys all the same.
"Hardin-Simmons just felt like a family when I went," Berry said. "The coaches were very welcoming and the players were very cool so I felt like it was a good spot for me. They're a very good football program so I'm excited."
Ivey, too, had to overcome hard times in his final year. He was also expected to lead the way on defense before a knee injury in the first game of the season changed that plan. It was feared Ivey would be out for the season.
He managed to make it back late in the year and help push the Sandies into the postseason and even into the second round. He managed to finish with 49 tackles despite missing the bulk of the year and now he's heading down to Abilene.
"I can't wait to get down there," Ivey said. "It's been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I just can't wait to get on down there and see what happens."
Greeson was a force on the defensive line the past two years and had to step up even more with Berry and Ivey out last season. He totaled 96 tackles, six for a loss, three sacks, six pressures, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
He'll make the short drive across the state line to play for the Greyhounds.
"I just really like their head coach and defensive coordinator," Greeson said. "The coaches have been in contact with me almost daily. I have a really good relationship with them."
The player Greeson has gone up against in practice every day for the past four years has been Marricle, who is one of the eight players staying local with WT. The two teammates will go against each other once a year in the Wagon Wheel Game.
"Me and Greeson are really good friends," Marricle said. "We went against each other all year so it's going to be really fun to play against each other in the Wagon Wheel game."
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Cooper Ivey, Cohen Berry thankful to sign to play in college as part of Amarillo High quartet
