To add to coach Dave Dunn’s historic run to an 8A Tri-County championship, his Columbus Explorers program now has nine players heading to play at the collegiate level.
National Signing Day saw five players from Columbus sign National Letters of Intent on February 3rd – Sebastien Laraque (PWO at FIU), Jake Aguirre (PWO at FIU), Maiko Sanchez (St. Thomas University), Rodney Williams (Florida A&M), Alejandro Prado (St. Thomas University).
They join fellow teammates Ryan Rodriguez (Miami), Jabari Ishmael (Miami, Gus McGee (San Diego State) and Francisco Castro (Arkansas), who signed their LOI on the first day of the early signing period.
Laraque, who lined up as an offensive lineman during Columbus’ 8-0 run, said that he chose the Panthers after forming a close relationship early on.
“From the beginning, FIU was showing me a lot of love, they’ve always been helping me out from the start,” he said.
Laraque thinks singing with FIU was “just right.” Laraque thinks FIU head football coach Butch Davis has a great program and has surrounded himself with influential people like offensive line coach Joel Rodriguez. Laraque says he’s ready to step up his game at FIU and wants to focus on learning more from his coaches. He thinks he’ll have a memorable experience at FIU and is excited about what his next four years offer.
As for Aguirre, who also plays offensive lineman, he “felt a great connection to Coach J-Rod,” ultimately making his decision easier. Aguirre feels staying at home will keep him focused and centered. Coming into FIU as a preferred walk-on, the 6-foot, 205-pound center realizes that he’ll be starting from “ground zero” and will have to keep on working and building himself up.
Offensive lineman Maiko Sanchez’s decision to sign with the Bobcats was quite simple: he liked what they offered. “They offered me playing time. I like the coach. The school is very nice,” he said.
Safety Rodney Williams signed with FAMU, telling 305 Sports he wanted to extend his opportunity to play football while improving himself academically these next four years. Williams really likes the Rattlers program and thinks they give him the best opportunity to succeed.
Kicker/punter Alejandro Prado also signed with Saint Thomas University. He’s rated as a four and a half star kicker and punter by Kohl’s Kicking.
