National signing day is always the first Wednesday in February. It is the day when high school seniors can sign National Letters of Intent to play college sports. It also means a chance for athletes to live their dream to the fullest.

This competitive process determines where each talented athlete will go to further his education. For big schools this thriving process keeps tradition alive and competitive year after year. The top prospects are looked at closely on film and then chosen by means of acceptance.

For the UTM Skyhawk football team, signing day is an important next step for a young team to be competitive in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Coach Matt Griffin announced 16 new signees Feb 4. The young, talented recruits will strengthen the Skyhawk core and add important depth to the team.

Griffin and his staff are definitely tapping into talent pools across the country. The signees represent eight states: Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri and Maryland.

Some of the top prospects who will join the team this fall include, Jamaal Akbar, wide receiver from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Adam Hansen an offensive linemen from Brentwood, Tenn. Hanson adds depth to the offense of line, where the Skyhawks lost two key players, including Michael Jackson and Lee Lawrence. Nathan Bryant, a defensive lineman from Liberty High School in Bedford Va., could replace the great John Gray. The 16 young men may see game time this fall.

“It’s simple, the best player will play on the field regardless of where he’s from. We would like to redshirt some kids but we know that some will be thrown into the fire,” Griffin said.

From my own experience, it is important these young men work hard over their summer break in order to make the type of impact that can help UTM.

Playing as a true freshman straight out of high school, I can remember what it was like to be thrown into the fire. Being hit hard after the catch by a little, but intimidating, defensive back, brings back memories of my first game against perennial OVC power, Eastern Kentucky. Those bone-jarring hits became a part of the game and were necessary to keep scoring drives alive.

I learned the speed of the game was far quicker than expected. Being in a position to play as a freshman means that coaches have confidence in a player. It also means the freshman came from a solid program and has some God-given talent.

One thing is for sure, these young, talented players will gain tremendous confidence by playing in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Along with confidence, they will develop the leadership qualities it takes to survive in life after football and college.

Troy Phillipps is a senior Communications major from Key West, Fla.