Five members of the Augustus Hawkins high school football team signed to colleges on National Signing Day. Corner Greg Johnson, quarterback Dylan Lemle, guard Quron Cleveland, wide receiver Joseph Branch and wide receiver Joseph Lewis were the students who committed to programs.
“I’m honored to be their coach, it’s a great feeling,” said Hawkins football head coach Mil’Von James. “These kids start the program, Greg and Joseph and Quron were the pillars of this program.”
This signing class is the biggest in the school’s history. Hawkins football coaching staff, family, school administrators, cheerleaders, and the football team attended the event.
“They made me proud; they made the student body proud. Most importantly, I think they made the community proud,” said Hawks offensive coordinator Malik James.
Lemle committed to the University of Idaho; his efforts earned on field earned him the Coliseum League Offensive Player of the Year. During the season, he scored 32 touchdowns and completed 153 passes, according to MaxPreps. Lemle mentioned how he got along well with members of the coaching staff, including quarterback coach Charley Molnar.
“It was a big decision for me and my family,” Lemle said. “I thought I could go there and play right away.”
Lewis earned offers from 38 Division I programs, but chose to stay near home at USC. The three-time MaxPreps All-American made 21 receptions for 555 yards and rushed for 30 yards this season. Lewis had started for the Varsity squad all four years of his high school career. Lewis mentioned how Hawkins developed him and how his coaches were his mentors.
“Me and the coaching staff, we had gotten along well and we had developed a good relationship,” Lewis said. “I’m a guy that could do good things with the ball up in my hands and ready to get this thing going.”
Branch committed his talents to the College of Idaho, he made five touchdowns and executed 18 catches for 331 yards.
“I did some research in the school after they offered me and they have excellent academics,” Branch said. “I feel it’s the best fit for me.”
Johnson, the reigning Division II Defensive Player of the Year, will join Lewis at USC. He achieved 18 touchdowns this season, four of them came in the Hawks’ game against the Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders. The three-time All-State player received offers from 31 schools.
“I play multiple positions and watching Adoree’ [Jackson] play multiple positions and end up leaving, I felt like I can kind of fill up the shoes,” Johnson said. “I’m [going to] do great things in the Coliseum.”
Cleveland announced his intent to attend Langston University. The four-year Varsity starter is a member of the 2016 All-City Division II First Team.
“I committed to Langston because I saw it was a good opportunity,” Cleveland said. “The best piece of advice [my coaches] gave me is to not give up on your dreams and make sure that you do it 110 percent.”
Hawkins football head coach told the football players in attendance how he wants more players attending colleges in the future.
“I expect to be up here again next year,” Mil’Von said. “We got five this year, lets see [if] we can double it.”
