High school athletes who want to have a greater chance at competing in Division 1 (or any other division) of the NCAA seek out junior colleges like RCTC or Prep schools. When athletes come to a community college (also called “Juco”), they go to seek a new opportunity, to improve their GPA, or become better individuals off the field. RCTC every year has student athletes go and finish their education somewhere else at a 4-year university. Whether it be baseball, wrestling, volleyball, soccer, and even football, RCTC produces some of the best athletes every year.
A lot of players come and go, but the 6 sophomores profiled here proved themselves on the field and academically in the classroom. 1.6% of college athletes go to the NFL, and these six are now closer than ever to being within that percentage. These athletes are looking forward to being that percentage soon.
After coming off a 5-5 season in 2022, the RCTC football team was hungry coming into the season and looking to make some noise. The Yellowjackets, led by head coach Terrence Issac, now in his second year with the program, earned a 9-3 record and won the MCAC state title against North Dakota State College of Science. This brought the team to the NCAA Division III national championship game against DuPage. The team lost, finishing second in the nation.
The offense finished the season as one of the best scoring offenses in the country, while the defense was one of the best in points allowed per game.
The Yellowjacket defense was led by one of the best linebackers in the country, MCAC Defensive Player of the Year Martell Williams. Williams has committed to Norfolk State, an NCAA Division 1 school in Norfolk, Virginia, where he will play his junior and senior year and earn his degree in Physical Education.
“When I went there, I had a strong relationship with the coaches right off the bat. It really felt like home, and it just felt special to me,” says Williams.
The 2023 Yellowjacket offense had one of the best running games in the country, one player that was a part of that was sophomore Caleb Williams, an offensive lineman. Caleb Willams will attend Adams State in Alamosa, Colorado, an NCAA Division II school for his junior and senior year, where he will get his degree in Sports Psychology.
“The school offered me a full ride and it will get me ready for the next level,” says Williams. “They also had a great program, the resources they offered are up to date, and the teachers there are great.”
Defen
sive tackle Seth Thomas will attend Morningside University in Sioux Center, Iowa, an NAIA level school, to get his degree in Criminal Justice.
“The coaches took a shot at me when no one else would. Morningside is a ready winning national team and that›s what I want to be a part of,” says Thomas.
Linebacker Santee Hollis committed to Dordt University, also in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he will pursue his degree in Music Technology.
“Even though I’ve been to college, there are still areas in which I don’t feel strongly about my faith, so I think that surrounding myself with faith-driven people can strengthen my faith. Also, college just made me feel at home. My major is health and human performance and Dordt is great for this, there are students at big programs like LSU doing an internship,” says Hollis.
Playing right next to Hollis this past season was Hakeem McCullers, who is committing to West Virgina Wesleyan, an NCAA Division II school where he will continue work on his Nursing degree.
“I wanted to go to West Virgina Wesleyan because the coaches were really into me. After this I plan to pursue something that involves sports, whether it’s coaching or becoming a physical trainer,” says McCullers.
Running back Rapheal Manning will join McCullers at West Virigina Wesleyan.
“What made me want to join West Virgina Wesleyan was not only the athletic program but the great resources they have there as well. The school will help me transition into other areas I could also achieve, while being a Psychology Major. After getting my degree, I hope to continue my athletic career,” says Manning.
story by Cole Hermesch, photos by Bryan Ford