photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Five Lawrence seniors signed with different colleges to continue their football careers at Lawrence High School on Wednesday.

Five Lawrence High School football players officially signed their college letters on Wednesday during National Signing Day.

Linebacker Jah’ir Johnson signed with Coffeyville Community College, linebacker Ben Marker signed with Peru State, defensive back Darren Riccardo signed with Graceland, lineman Andrew Nelson signed with Baker and defensive back Jaylen Parker signed with Missouri Western.

Quarterback Banks Bowen would have been one of the Lions to sign on National Signing Day but has already enrolled at Tulsa after graduating high school a semester early.

Johnson had talked to a few Coffeyville coaches before visiting in mid-January. During his visit, he decided to commit.

“My whole life since elementary school, I’ve just wanted to play football,” Johnson said. “I love football. I feel like all the hard work has paid off.”

Marker fought his way up the depth chart at Lawrence to get to this spot. He didn’t play his freshman season but became a key member of the defense by his senior year.

“I got yelled at a lot, and I think it really helped me learn,” Marker said. “Freshman year me would’ve loved this, to have any offers at all. I feel like this is a really good opportunity.

Marker said that Peru State felt like a family and that the school impressed him with its new facilities.

Riccardo had a challenging year with the Lions, as a shoulder injury sidelined him for the entirety of it. He didn’t think he’d be able to play at the next level.

That opportunity came with Graceland. One of Riccardo’s 7-on-7 coaches helped him contact Graceland’s defensive backs coach. That got him in the door with a visit, and he later committed.

“It was hard to try to get coaches to give me a chance,” Riccardo said. “It feels like a lot of pressure off my shoulders. A month ago, I didn’t think I’d get to play college football.”

Nelson took it upon himself to contact schools. When coaches from Baker responded, he knew it was the school for him. Not only does it have a strong football legacy, but it is both close to home and where his brother goes to school.

“I knew it was going to be a good environment for me,” Nelson said. “Being close to family is a big thing for me.”

Parks said it was nice to make his signing with Missouri Western official. To do it with teammates who he has played with for years meant even more.

“It’s pretty awesome to see some of these guys I’ve been playing with for most of my life — especially the last four years — to see us all go somewhere and continue to play the sport we love,” Parks said. “I’ll remember being underclassmen just learning and getting yelled at. Those times in the moments were pretty bad, but it’s nice to go through that with your guys.”

Across town, Free State had eight seniors sign with a college through National Signing Day. Linebacker Parker Moore signed with Wyoming, offensive lineman Hiram Kahungura signed with Baker and linebacker Crow Bengoa signed with Dodge City Community College.

Receiver Landon Leipold and defensive back Noah Rupp both signed with Nebraska-Kearney. Defensive tackle Hyrum Vaeono, kicker Yusef Iskandrani and running back Noah Simpson all signed with Butler Community College.

Between the two schools, this senior class produced two Division I players, three Division II players, four NAIA players and five junior college players.