Marlin's Magnificent Seven

Marlin coach Jerry Malone looks on as seven of his Bulldogs football players signed their letters of intent Wednesday. From left, running back Antonio Moore (Missouri Southern), Ali Alexander (Texas College), Travis Miller (Oklahoma State), Quentin Tasby (West Texas A&M), Narada Johnson (West Texas A&M), Vance Richardson (Texas College) and Matthew Phillips, who signed to play at Henderson State University. Photo courtesy of Tom Simpson

Led by Miller, seven Bulldogs sign their letters of intent

By Tony Marquis, Editor

Jerry Malone couldn't remember a more exciting Signing Day.

Seven Bulldogs signed with college football programs Wednesday, the most Malone has had in his 17 years at Marlin.

Led by Travis Miller, who is accepting a scholarship at Oklahoma State, offensive tackles Narada Johnson and Quentin Tasby committed to West Texas A&M, running back Antonio Moore signed with Missouri Southern, Matthew Phillips committed to Henderson State University in Arkansas and Ali Alexander and Vance Richardson both signed with Texas College in Tyler.

"We push our kids onto college," Malone said. "It helps the next group of kids - they're a role model for the kids that are in here at the program."

Miller had 951 yards on 86 carries after verbally committing to the Cowboys before the season began.

"Travis is just a super kid," Malone said. "He'll be a great college football player, we just look for great things from him."

Marlin had 22 seniors last year but finished 5-5 and missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, according to Malone.

"We just didn't put it together as a team," Malone said. "We had a lot of injuries."

They had a lot of talent, too.

Phillips was the District 22-2A defensive most valuable player and had more than 100 tackles. Tasby and Johnson helped the Bulldogs rush for 2,449 yards, opening up holes for Miller and Moore, who started at running back and led the team with 1,120 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns.

Alexander, who injured his leg in the third game, is the younger brother of University of Missouri wide receiver Denario Alexander.

"The kids know if they come in and help the program, they're going to have the opportunity to play in college," Malone said.