CARTHAGE, Mo. — National Signing Day made its way to Carthage High School on Friday, as the Tigers’ football program saw three student-athletes — Aiden Logan, DJ Witt and Ian Ketchum — sign letters of intent to play football at the next level.
AIDEN LOGAN, OFFENSIVE LINE, BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Originally, Logan — who was named first-team all-state, district and region as well as a unanimous first-team All-COC selection — had verbally committed to Arkansas State. After a change of heart, Logan opened up his recruiting late in the process and decided Butler Community College was the perfect destination for him to get where he wants to be.
“When I decommitted from Arkansas State, I knew that was probably going to put a halt on recruitment from the FBS level,” Logan said. “I still had a lot of FCS stuff and lower DI level (offers), but I felt like I could do better.
“So, after talking with the ex-Arkansas State offensive line coach, he recommended Butler because they are known for this amazing offensive line hog farm.”
With the intent to attend Butler for a year or two before looking to move to a bigger Division I school, Logan has a plan for what he wants to improve on his first season in collegiate football.
“There are a lot of things I am going to want to do over the course of college, but you can only do so much in a year or a year and a half. I am just going to try to perfect as much technique as I can and get as strong as I can with the time allowed. I am just going to learn football and get my knowledge (of the game) down to a fine point.”
DJ WITT, SAFETY, WARTBURG COLLEGE
Playing football at the collegiate level is a dream few high school athletes get to experience. For Witt — a first-team all-state, area and COC selection — after seeing several signings happen on Wednesday, getting his chance to put the pen to paper was something he will always remember.
“It means a lot because I have been dreaming about playing college football ever since I started playing football,” Witt said. “Just to get here is amazing. It’s not over because now I have a new start.”
After playing in the Tigers’ program, with all of the success he experienced at Carthage, Witt had offers from other schools, but ultimately decided to sign with Wartburg because it reminded him so much of what he experienced his last several seasons at the high school level.
“I chose Wartburg because they already have a good culture built around their football program,” Witt said. “Being from Carthage, I’ve had that, and I just wanted to continue that.”
IAN KETCHUM, LINEBACKER, WARTBURG COLLEGE
Ketchum will also be attending Wartburg College, and much like Witt, his chance to sign his letter of intent in front of family, friends, teammates and coaches was an experience he won’t soon forget, knowing his hard work has paid off.
“It’s just a relief,” Ketchum said. “I’ve been working for it for a while now. Knowing that i’ve gotten to this level, it’s a great feeling. To be able to do it with DJ, that’s even better.
Of course, for both Witt and Ketchum, having a familiar face when taking that giant step in life is always a blessing. The two Tigers were quick to point out how much more comfortable the process of college life will be with a teammate they’ve already experienced so much with.
“It’s definitely going to be easier than it would be,” Ketchum said. “DJ and I have already built some chemistry here at Carthage. Going down there with someone I know will be a good starting place.”
“It really gives me somebody to lean on because it gives me somebody I can relate to,” Witt added. “We’re going through the same thing and we get to work through that together.”
LEAVING A LEGACY
For Logan, Witt and Ketchum, getting to experience the run Carthage football has had over the last several seasons is something all three will cherish. Knowing they were a part of the group that helped set a foundation and a new standard for Carthage football is something they are all proud of as they depart to play collegiately.
“Saying it’s special sounds too generic,” Logan said of his time in the Tigers’ football program. “But there is no other way to describe it. Being a part of the first-ever Carthage team to win a state championship, it didn’t really sink in until a month after the fact. The things we accomplished as a team, it was amazing and I will always remember this place.”
