DMN: Dockery realizes dream

[bubba9497]

Dockery realizes dream

Lakeview standout follows in brother's footsteps with signing

When Cedric Dockery was in eighth grade, he remembered the hoopla surrounding his brother Derrick's signing a national letter of intent with Texas. He wondered if one day he would be a coveted recruit like Derrick was.

That dream became a reality Wednesday – national signing day – when the Lakeview standout signed with Texas. In all, 21 football players and one soccer player from Garland schools signed national letters of intent.

"I've been working eight years to get to this moment," said Dockery, ranked No. 55 on Rivals.com's National Top 100. "I'm looking forward to going to Austin and taking my potential to the next level."

Cedric's signing was similar to Derrick's. Cedric's signing was in the same room that Derrick's was, and an abundance of family and friends celebrated the event. And just as Cedric was at Derrick's side when he signed, Derrick attended Cedric's signing. Derrick, a standout offensive lineman at Texas, now plays for the Washington Redskins.

"I've always wanted to follow in his footsteps," Cedric said.

Cedric is aware of Texas' reputation. The Longhorns have been lauded for outstanding recruiting classes, but have failed to translate that talent into a national title. Cedric said he hopes his class changes that. He also looks forward to butting heads with Lakeview teammate James McClinton, who signed with Big 12 rival Kansas.

"[Texas] Coach [Mack] Brown wants me to be a leader and that's what I'm going to do," Cedric said.

The nine Garland players who signed would make a strong recruiting class by themselves. Six Garland players signed with Division I-A schools led by offensive lineman J.D. Quinn (Oklahoma) and cornerback Bobby Chalk (Iowa State).

Naaman Forest had four players sign, led by standout linebacker Bradley Bullitt, who is headed to Baylor. Running back Keithon Flemmings was the Rangers' other Division I-A signee, signing with Wyoming.

South Garland had five players sign, as well, led by wide receiver Antwaun Harris, who will attend Brigham Young.

The day's most notable absence was South Garland quarterback Jordan Reever, No. 66 in SportsDay's area top 100 list. South Garland coach Mickey Moss said Reever is considering walking on at LSU and will visit the school this weekend. Reever is also considering BYU.

Naaman Forest's Brandi Post was the only soccer player to sign Wednesday, choosing Ouachita Baptist.

E-mail mmartinovich@dallasnews.com

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/city/garland/stories/020504dnsposignings.59136.html

[Tommy-the-Greek]

Do we know how big the young lad is?

I for one would like to see how much weight he adds from now till his senior season.