DALLAS — On the football field, showing up is all on the players.
At South Oak Cliff High School, it is off field where the real defensive line comes into play.
“We donate food. We come up and help serve. Make sure they have meals before the game,” said Tamiko McCoy, a South Oak Cliff High School parent.
Wednesday was National Signing Day.
“My son is Xyler Miles, number 72. He goes by 'Big Xy,'” said McCoy as she set up a celebration booth for her son in the school’s gym.
She and her fellow Mama Bears, LaShema Thibodeaux and Zashan Graves, have been doing what Mama Bears do best.
“A Mama Bear is a mama that is very protective, loving and nurturing over their child. I think that’s what a Mama Bear is,” said Graves.
“And don’t mess with their cubs. Don’t mess with their cubs,” said Thibodeaux agreeing with Graves.
South Oak Cliff High School has the largest number of students within Dallas ISD committing to colleges across the nation. There are a total of 18 students.
DeSoto ISD also held a celebration. They had 10 student-athletes committing to schools.
“If you’re a realistic parent, you see the qualities in your kids,” said Graves. “I tell my son, remember you are enough. You are enough.”
At South Oak Cliff, Xyler Myles made his commitment to Prairie View A&M University. It was his dream school.
“It feels like an accomplishment. I started from ground zero. My freshmen year, I didn’t play. I didn’t do anything. Nobody would have thought I’d be going to school for free on a division one level,” said Myles.
He said he even surprised himself.
“I didn’t see it in myself. The coaches brought it out of me. Once I just kept on going up, I told myself I can do this. Then, I just kept on working, and now I’m here,” said Myles. “I just feel loved and supported. Obviously, I know my people are going to go all out for me every time. I appreciate it. I feel loved and supported.”
He said he especially feels that love from his mother, McCoy.
“She’s done everything. Everything. Everything. Like if there was a number bigger than infinity, it would be that number,” said Myles.
It is a number that Myles could not fathom but knows he is grateful.
DeSoto ISD Student-Athlete Commitments
Football:
Diaz, Angel- University of Texas--Permian Basin
Douglas, Jason-University of Nevada
Johnson, Dylan- Hutchison Community College
Laye, Ja’Mari- Texas State University
Pride, TJ- New Mexico State University
Trawick, Jaden- Northeastern State University
Girls Track:
Neely, Paityn- University of Las Vegas Nevada
Williams, Nasya- Louisiana State University
Volleyball:
Rambo, Jayden- Mississippi Valley State University
Boys Soccer:
Williams, Peyton- University of Evansville