Tyler J.C. Lineman Jon Miller

[50's PONY]

Boatman became the second TJC sophomore to commit to a Division I program. Two-time all-conference defensive end Michael McDonald is apparently headed to Purdue and the Big Ten Conference.

McDonald finished second in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference with eight sacks this past season and was named a second-team All-American.

"Michael and Shannon are classic examples of guys that took care of business and handled themselves with class and character while they were here," Critchlow said of the former TJC redshirts.

For the undersized McDonald, listed at 6-1, 240, there's a lot more than meets the eye. A program's of Purdue's caliber was willing to look beyond the measurables.

"He's a workhorse," Critchlow said. "He's not exceptionally strong, fast or big. But he's a hard-nosed player. He never stops."

Texas State, which lost in the semifinals of the Division I-AA playoffs last week, made a trip to Tyler to recruit running back Brian Rodgers of Lufkin.

Rodgers emerged as a featured back under Critchlow and carried the ball 164 times for 1,030 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore. In his final game, Rodgers had 163 yards on 24 carries in a 38-10 win at Navarro.

Also, Critchlow said SMU is interested in offensive lineman Jon Miller, a 6-3, 290-pounder from Euless Trinity.

The initial signing date for midyear junior college transfers is Wednesday. The signing period ends Jan. 15, 2006.

[ClassOf81]

Miller was at the UTEP game.