The chance to continue their football careers came Tuesday when Eunice High seniors Avrey Lee, Jordan Ledet and Carlin Vigers signed with the Bayou Prep Gators.
“It is really a blessing to get this opportunity,” Lee, the All-District first team linebacker, said. “I worked hard for four years to get this point.”
Lee was the Class 3-A title game MVP as he gained 87 yards and scored a touchdown, while throwing for two more scores, he will play linebacker with the Gators.
A District 5-3A first team selection, Ledet said he will bring speed and ability to the wide receiver spot with the Gators.
“It was great to win the state championship,” Ledet said. “But I want to win another championship and get the chance to prove that I can be good anywhere not just in high school.”
Vigers was the District 5-3A defensive MVP and will see action as a defensive back at Bayou Prep.
“I love to play defense and the hard hitting,” Vigers said. “I want to prove that I am better than the offensive player.”
Ledet said he is hopeful this is just another step of reaching his dreams.
“I want to play on the big stage under the big lights,” he said. “I want to reach the highest level so I can provide for my family – this is my first step.”
Located in Baton Rouge, Bayou Prep is a college prep or post graduate program for athletes seeking to improve their GPA or ACT scores as well players looking to gain greater exposure to college programs.
Entering its third year, Bayou Prep will play its home games on Sundays this fall at Leadership Academy’s stadium.
Ross Akpan, associate head coach and offensive cooridinator said, “We want the guys to get better academically, atheletically and get noticed by Division I and Division II programs.
Some kids need help to improve their grades or the ACT scores,” he said. “Some are full qualifiers, they just need the exposure.
Akpan said the individual’s course load is designed to help what ever area is need.
The athletes do not use up any college elgibility, Akpan added. “They still have five years to play four football seasons.”
Akpan said his roster is limited to 55 players so they can all see action on the field and hopefully sign with a college progam after the football season.