Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading.
Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 61F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..
Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 61F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: April 12, 2024 @ 10:12 pm
Tyler High School senior Aidan Keyes signed to play college football for Howard Payne University during a ceremony on Friday at the Tyler High School varsity gymnasium. On hand for the ceremony were (front row, from left) mother Nadia Keyes, Aidan Keyes, father Linnon Thomas, cousin Lamarje Stephens; (second row) aunt Jessica Stephens and uncle John Johnson. (Tyler ISD)
Tyler High School senior Aidan Keyes signed to play college football for Howard Payne University during a ceremony on Friday at the Tyler High School varsity gymnasium. On hand for the ceremony were (front row, from left) mother Nadia Keyes, Aidan Keyes, father Linnon Thomas, cousin Lamarje Stephens; (second row) aunt Jessica Stephens and uncle John Johnson. (Tyler ISD)
Growing up, Aidan Keyes never thought he would have the opportunity to play college football.
After years of practice and dedication, Keyes is seeing that dream come true.
The Tyler High School senior made it official on Friday, signing to play college football with Howard Payne University during a ceremony at the Tyler High School varsity gymnasium.
“I couldn’t have received the opportunity without my family, coaches and teammates,” Keyes said. “I thank my parents, family, teammates and coaches. Also, I am grateful for the support of the community.”
Keyes played linebacker his senior year for the Lions after playing safety the seasons before. He is scheduled to play defensive back for the Yellowjackets.
Tyler Head Coach Rashaun Woods commended Keyes for being a team player and moving to linebacker for the betterment of the team.
Woods said Keyes’ “speed and physicality” will translate well to the next level of football. He also added young players should look to Keyes as a role player, noting how he was always respectful and led by example.
Woods compilmented Keyes’ parents, Nadia Keyes and Linnon Thomas.
Howard Payne is a member of NCAA Division III and the American Southwest Conference.
The Yellow Jackets play at Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood.
Other football members of ASC include East Texas Baptist (Marshall), Hardin-Simmons (Abilene), Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton), McMurry (Abilene), Sul Ross State (Alpine), Austin College (Sherman) and Texas Lutheran (Seguin).
“Aidan is a talented and gifted young man,” Trey Lewis, Tyler defensive coordinator, said. “ He made a seamless transition from safety to outside linebacker with the change in defensive scheme. His athletic ability allowed him to be productive in both the running game and the passing game. Contributing to big plays behind the line of scrimmage and helping seal the victory with an interception in a crucial district game. His future is bright wherever he lands because of his versatility to play multiple positions and make an impact.”
Keyes, who was All-District 7-5A Division I honorable mention, had 57 total tackles (42 solo/15 assists), tackles for loss; two sacks; three quarterback pressures, an interception; two pass break ups and two fumble recoveries.
Keyes was also a member the Lions basketball team. He is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes football all-star and will play in the Northeast Texas FCA Heart of a Champion football game that is scheduled for June 1 on Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.
Keyes said he plans to major in kinesiology and would like to be a coach some day.
Many of Keyes teammates, friends and classmates attended the ceremony. Joining Keyes and his parents were aunt Jessica Stephens, uncle John Johnson and cousin Lamarje Stephens.
LIONS TALES: Spring football for the Lions is scheduled to begin at 4:25 p.m. on Monday. The Lions are scheduled to practice Monday, Wednesday and Thursday during the first week. The Spring Game is scheduled for May 15.
— Hicks can be reached at phicks@tylerpaper.com
Originally published on tylerpaper.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
