Q&A: MHS College-Bound Football Players

contributed by: joearriolajr

Eric Harrison
School: Southern Nazarene
Position: OL
Awards: First Team All-District (2010)

Now that you've officially signed and are on your way to Southern Nazarene, how do you feel?

I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm glad I got it out of the way so I don't have to worry about where I'm going to be for the next four years.

What do you think about the Crimson Storm football program?

We're moving up to Division II this year and I'm glad we're rebuilding the team while I'm up there.

What are you looking forward to the most this fall?

Playing at the next level and finally being with a lot of competition.

Do you know what your major will be?

Kinesiology. I want to be a coach. And then I'm going to become a history major.

Is there anything you know you'll miss the most about playing high school football?

Every Friday night when you get to play in front of your peers and everybody in town comes to watch you play. There's nothing like high school football and that's always where my heart will be. My heart is going to be with the McKinney Lions forever.

Was there any standout moment for you during your high school career?

Yeah. The last game I was one of the captains. Just knowing that it was going to be my last walk as captain, and doing the coin toss - it's really something special that I hold to my heart.

Damion Willis
School: Missouri Southern
Position: RB
Awards: First Team All-District (2009)

You had opportunity to sign with three of your teammates. What was that like?

It's a great opportunity to get a chance to sign with them. We've been through four years together and for us to work hard and go off to college is a great thing.

Why did you choose Missouri Southern?

I feel in love with the coaches. The players are laid back and cool. I love the community out there.

What are you looking forward to the most this fall?

I'm just ready to get out there and play and show my talent.

Do you know what you will study?

I'm undecided but I was thinking about going into sports medicine or physiology.

Was there any special moment for you during your four years here?

I would say just getting to know all these football players and having good friends for the rest of my life.

Do you have a favorite game?

Probably the Highland Park game (2010). We all came together and left our hearts on the field.

Spencer Harvey
School: Tarleton State
Position: OL
Awards: Second Team All-District

What was it like to sign with three of your teammates?

It was a great experience.

What will you miss the most about playing football at McKinney High?

Playing football with my brothers and battling every day.

Why did you choose Tarleton?

It's really nice for a Division II school. It really blew me away when I saw it. It's the new home I've always wanted to go go.

Do you know what you'll study?

I'm not sure right now but I'll probably do business.

What excites you the most about the college experience?

Getting a great education.

Was there any special moment or special game for you during your four years?

Every game is a special game for me. Not one game wasn't special to me.

Is there any game that you would say was your best performance?

Probably Rockwall. We took care of business and put people on the ground.

Travis Tarver II
School: Abilene Christian
Position: RB
Awards: First Team All-District (2010)

How do you feel now that the college signing process if finally over?

Relieved. I'm glad I finally signed somewhere. It'll take a lot of stress off of me.

What attracted you to the Abilene Christian football program?

I've always been interested in them. They've always had a good program. I've had a family member and a friend who went there so I've always known about their football program. They're into winning and that's what I'm about.

Do you know what you're going to study?

Mechanical engineering.

What are you looking forward to the most about college football?

Just playing with the team.

Is there anything you know you'll miss the most about playing football here at MHS?

My teammates. The crowds. And seeing my family come watch me play.

Was there any special moment for you during the course of your high school career?

This year. This was my best year. I did things this year that I didn't get to do the past few years. I actually got to play offense. I was always on defense. I finally got to do something I wanted to.

Is there a game that you can look back on and say it was your best performance?

Rockwall. I had 328 rushing yards and two touchdowns and I actually got the jump over a guy in the game.

How does it feel to sign with three of your teammates?

It feels good. It's a great experience.