Every year National Signing Day provides a captivating experience for student-athletes at looking forward to playing collegiate ball as they are recognized in front of their coaches, friends, and family.
It was no different for many Prince George’s County standouts on Feb. 7 when some of the best football players in the DMV signed their letters of intent to play for their respective schools at the next level.
Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro announced 11 signees from their perennial powerhouse program that completed a championship three-peat in December.
“For me, it is a bittersweet day,” Wise head coach DaLawn Parrish said in his opening remarks. “It’s always good to see our young men have the opportunity to move on to another level and to grow as young men.”
Receiver Anthony Lytton headlined the group, confirming that he will play for Florida State University next season. Lytton had 53 receptions for 534 yards and seven touchdowns last season, as well as three interceptions on defense.
Wise defensive back Christopher Rhodes will join lineman Jahbari Gray and tight end Ehidiame Akojie at Shepherd University in the fall. Running back John Oliver, who rushed for nearly 2,800 yards last year, will be taking his talents to Western Arizona College.
Highly touted offensive lineman Spencer Anderson of Bishop McNamara High School (Upper Marlboro) decided to play for the University of Maryland next season.
“Growing up, I always loved the game of football since the age of 2, and it took a lot of hard work to get here,” Anderson said. “It has been a long and treacherous journey, and I am truly thankful for all the people God has put into my life. This is only the beginning of my life, and I am excited for what the future holds.”
Frederick Douglass two-way player Makye Smith will attend Stony Brook University in the fall.
“He is one of the toughest individuals that I have ever met,” Eagles head coach Julius Pinkney said of Smith. “He was knocking people around on that field, and he always worked hard and practiced hard. When he spoke to his teammates, they listened, and he ended up being our leading rusher.”
The versatile Smith played the running back position, but also anchored the Eagles’ defensive unit as a linebacker and defensive end.
He averaged nearly seven tackles per game and racked up 76 tackles on the season.
Other notable commitments from National Signing Day: Bowie High School lineman Christian Haynes — University of Connecticut; Eleanor Roosevelt High School running back Eli McDonald — Bowie State University; Charles H. Flowers High School lineman Jamree Kromah — Rutgers University; Suitland High School running back Antwan Squire — Shepherd University; DuVal High School running back David Dupree — Fort Scott Community College; and DeMatha Catholic High School wide receiver Dominic Lyles — Bucknell University.