Three Southwest Louisiana high school football players, including the American Press All-Southwest Big School MVPs, signed Division I letters-of-intent Wednesday on National Signing Day.

Leesville running back Xavier Ford, the Big Schools Offensive MVP, signed with Minnesota, while defensive MVP Cohen Charles, a multi-position player at Iowa, signed with McNeese State. St. Louis Catholic two-sport athlete Nathan Ughovwa signed with Football Bowl Subdivision school Bryant University.

Ford, who set multiple school and state records and was voted Mr. Football by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, said he had multiple Division I offers from Tulane, Houston, Air Force, Arkansas State, Central Arkansas, Northwestern State and McNeese State.

“What drew me to Minnesota is the consistency throughout the coaching staff and seeing how they care for their players and how they develop players into better people as they go on through college if they go to the next level or if they go out into the real world,” Ford said.

Ford helped lead the Wampus Cats to the Select Division II semifinals in his final season. He set the state single-season rushing yards (3,437 yards) and rushing touchdown (52) record. He broke four school records formerly owned by Cecil Collins, a former Miami Dolphin via LSU and McNeese. Ford finished his career with 8,591 rushing yards, 118 touchdowns to Collins’ 7,834 yards and 93 touchdowns.

“It was a great career,” Ford said. “I achieved a lot of good things and accomplished a lot of things nobody thought could be accomplished by setting new records and new heights.

“I tried to keep our standard alive. I tried to do things that nobody thought could be done.”

Charles originally committed to Northwestern State but said he was swayed by new Cowboys head coach Matt Viator and the opportunity to play for defensive backs coach Terence Cahee. Also factoring into his decision were two former Cowboys standouts, older brother Darius Daniels and good friend André Sam.

“Playing so close to home is a different feeling,” Charles said. “I really liked what Coach Viator was selling. It was a clear choice for me to stay home.”

Charles played on both sides of the ball as he led the Yellow Jackets to the Non-select Division II semifinals for the second time in program history. He recorded 109 solo tackles and 50 assists and was a threat to opponents’ rushing and passing games. He broke up 16 passes and intercepted four while recording 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and forcing four fumbles. He scored 21 total touchdowns, 17 rushing, three on punt returns and a reception.

“I feel like I left a legacy here,” Charles said. “I feel like I left my mark.”

Ughovwa, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound tight end and plays forward for the Saints’ basketball team, caught eight passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in his senior season. In 2023, he made eight catches for 174 yards and five touchdowns.

Bryant University is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and plays in the Northeast Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision.

 

AREA SIGNINGS

NCAA Division I

Player, High School College

Cohen Charles, Iowa McNeese St.

Xavier Ford, Leesville Minnesota

Nathan Ughovwa, St. Louis Bryant University

NCAA Division II

Player, High School College

Drew Dronet, Sam Houston Arkansas Monticello

NCAA Division III

(No athletic scholarships)

Player, High School College

Jatari Harris, DeRidder E. Texas Baptist

Gavin Stout, Sam Houston E. Texas Baptist

Ty Stout, Sam Houston E. Texas Baptist

Jack Davis, Sam Houston Centenary

Keaton Sonnier, Sam Houston Centenary

Jace Vasquez, Barbe Millsaps College

Preferred Walk-on

Player, High School College

Jacob Hernandez, DeRidder Arkansas Tech

Ayden Rose, Sam Houston Lamar

Drew Bailey, Sam Houston McNeese St.

Cooper Hudges, Barbe McNeese St.

Courtlyn Houston, Barbe Lamar

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

Player, High School College

Uriah Wade, DeRidder Louisiana Christian