Community

“All we got is all we need.” The UT-Permian Basin football program showed its Basin pride by signing heaps of local talent in Coach Kris McCullough’s inaugural signing class.

The UTPB Falcons signed 11 players from across the Basin — four from Odessa, three from Midland, and the rest from Forsan, McCamey, Seminole, and Wink, respectively, according to a report by Falcons Sports Information Director Tom Perpetua.

The signings include Girevis Bobey (Midland Legacy, Offensive Line); Dawson Bullard (Midland Christian, Safety); Caysen Clinton (Permian High, Linebacker); Blake Flowers (Seminole High, Quarterback); Jose Guerrero, Odessa High (Offensive Line); Blane Mendoza (Odessa High, Tight End); Nolan Park (Forsan High, Kicker/Punter); Jaquan Richardson (Permian High, Wide Receiver); Matthew Rosas (McCamey High, Two-Way Player); Jordan Tally (Wink High, Wide Receiver); Nigel Wallace (Midland Legacy, Offensive Line).

Meanwhile, Eastern New Mexico University also landed some gems from the Basin in its 2023 signing class. Carlsbad High is celebrating four of its student athletes for sigining on to become Greyhounds, including Wesley McKibben, DJ Moore, Dane Naylor and Austin Blair. ENMU additionally highlighted the signing of Hobbs High star linebacker Kenyon Singleton.

Pictured L-R: Wesley McKibben, DJ Moore, Dane Naylor, Austin Blair Coaches Standing L-R: Richard Carrasco, Mark Hedgecock, Eladio Saldana, Cale Sanders, Charles Millar, Bryan Jones, Allen Perez.

Attracting local talent is critical to a program.

“Any program you take over you have to build a solid foundation of local talent, you have to keep the best local talent here,” said McCullough, adding, “There’s a lot of local talent that haven’t seen our facilities yet or been to campus.  Once we get them here, they fall in love with the facilities as they’re second-to-none.”

More details on UTPB’s Permian Basin signees:
Girevis Bobey
Midland Legacy High School | Offensive Line
6-2 | 270 lbs.
First Team All-District
“Big time local player, who is very athletic as well as a nasty run blocker.  We’re fired up to have Girevis join the Falcon Family.” – Coach Maxwell

Dawson Bullard
Midland Christian | Safety
5-11 | 190 lbs.
Two-time All-District
“Dawson is a downhill, make a play safety.  Excited for him to stay close to home and put on for the Basin.” – Coach Victorian

Caysen Clinton
Permian High School | Linebacker
5-11 | 205 lbs.
First Team All-District, Academic All-State Honorable Mention
“We’re keeping the DAWGS at home by adding a special local talent.” – Coach Carson

Blake Flowers
Seminole High School | Quarterback
6-1 | 180 lbs.
Named Player of the Year by Odessa American, Lubbock Avalanche, and Hobbs Newspaper, 2021 Offensive MVP, 2022 District Player of the Year
“Blake is a do it all quarterback.  He’s got big-time arm talent with the ability to make plays with his feet.  He’s one of the most productive quarterbacks I’ve ever recruited, and we’re excited to watch his development.” – Coach McCullough

Jose Guerrero
Odessa High School | Offensive Line
6-2 | 265 lbs.
Honorable Mention All-District, Academic All-State
“Jose is great addition to our locker room.  He’s a strong, physical player with all the tools to be a great offensive lineman.” – Coach Maxwell

Blane Mendoza
Odessa High School | Tight End
6-1 | 210 lbs.
Two-time All-District selection, 25 receptions for four touchdowns
“A very athletic tight end who can catch the ball and brings it in the run game.  He’s a great addition to the tight end group.” – Coach Messinger

Nolan Park
Forsan High School | Kicker/Punter
6-1 | 210 lbs.
Four-time All-District Kicker, Three-time District Lineman of the Year, Four-time Academic All-District
“Nolan has a very strong and accurate leg as both a kicker and punter.  He’s got huge upside and is a great student as well.” – Coach Messinger

Jaquan Richardson
Permian High School | Wide Receiver
6-0 | 190 lbs.
All-District
“Adding the mayor of Odessa to the wide receiver room, things just got serious he’s always open!” – Coach Crandall

Matthew Rosas
McCamey High School | Athlete
5-7 | 150 lbs.
Two-time Permian Basin Player of the Year, Three-time All-District, Two-time All-State Utility, Newcomer of the Year, Two-time Academic All-District, Two-way player
“Matthew is one of the top overall athletes in the Basin and we’re excited to keep him home!” – Coach Lusby

Jordan Tally
Wink High School | Wide Receiver
6-4 | 175 lbs.
2A Super Elite Team, Padilla Poll First Team All-State WR, District Co-Offensive MVP, Academic All-State, 2A Fan Poll All-State at WR and K, FCA All-Star Selection
“A tall, athletic receiver that has great skills and really knows how to high-point the football.” – Coach Crandall

Nigel Wallace
Midland Legacy High School | Offensive Line
6-4 | 270 lbs.
All-District
“Nigel has the size and frame to be something special over the next few years.  Excited to have him join the team.” – Coach Maxwell