Clovis trio signs with college football programs

CLOVIS — Demerious Milton, Hunter St. John and Josiah Thomas spent their senior years in Clovis showing they deserved a shot at the next level of football.

They'll all have that chance in New Mexico, as the three signed letters of intent to open the football signing period Wednesday morning at Clovis High School.

In a small ceremony at the athletics office with green and silver decor, St. John and Thomas both signed on to play for Eastern New Mexico University. The decor switched to red and black, and Milton donned a new Broncos cap as he signed on with New Mexico Military Institute.

Other Wildcats are still weighing offers before the signing period concludes April 1.

Milton played one season for the Wildcat varsity, rushing for 1,264 yards and 17 touchdowns on 166 carries. Those numbers were great, but he knew being 5-foot-7 would make it tough to get college offers. He hopes the Bronco program can help him find a Division I roster spot two years down the road.

"I've always believed it, since I was a kid," Milton said. "I always thought that I would play college ball. I hope they can help me get to where I want to be in the long run."

Clovis coach Cal Fullerton said Milton earned his college looks.

"He didn't play football his junior year, and he steps in and runs for nearly 1,300 yards," Fullerton said. "They've added some guys, including Hobbs' quarterback (Gavin Hardison), that are going to open things up for Demerious."

Regarding the Eastern signees, Fullerton feels like both St. John and Thomas could make huge leaps as college players, and have found a program that can help them do just that.

"Eastern's done a great job of taking guys and molding them," Fullerton said, "and those kids have a lot of potential. But they could step in and contribute right away, as well."

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound St. John was an All-District 6-2A selection both junior and senior years, and received nods this year to USA Today's New Mexico second-team offense and the New Mexico North offensive team by NMPreps. He chose the Greyhounds over New Mexico Highlands and Tabor College in Kansas.

"During the season," St. John said, "I just tried to help my team, finish my senior year strong. Coaches started contacting me. I went on my visit to Eastern and I was starstruck.

"You can tell they love football there. They're going places, and I want to be a part of that."

St. John largely played offensive line at Clovis, but should also see time at tight end with ENMU.

"Hunter has a great frame to put on weight and the athletic ability needed to play tackle in a triple option based offense," ENMU coach Kelley Lee said in a release. "We feel Hunter has tremendous upside and we look forward to helping him reach his potential."

Thomas, also all-district in his junior and senior seasons, will likely see time at the tackle positions. At 6-foot-4, 280, Thomas said everybody told him he had the size and skills to play college football, but he didn't completely believe it until he started getting offers. He chose ENMU over Wayland Baptist, West Texas A&M, Eastham (Indiana) and Division I New Mexico State.

"Money-wise, they came with the best offer," Thomas said. "It's also close to home, and easier for my mom."

Regarding Thomas, Lee said, "Josiah is a physical football player that fires off the ball and finishes his blocks. We think Josiah has tremendous upside and can be a dominant lineman for us in the near future."