Yet another DeKalb County High School Tigers football player is advancing into the college ranks. With this signing, the Tigers now have four players moving on to college play, making the 2020-21 class with the most players continuing their football career.
Desmond Nokes has been a play maker for the Tigers over the past four years, and hopes to continue on as he moves onto the college field. On Wednesday, March 3, Nokes was joined by family and friends and he announced his intent to play for the UT Martin Skyhawks.
“UT Martin was the best option I had, as far as financially, and they're the highest level of football I can play at, as far as offer wise, so I chose them,” said Nokes.
Nokes said he would be studying at UT Martin with an in interest in music therapy and theology. As for what position he looked to be playing he said he was open to kick returning, and playing offense or defense.
When asked about his fondest memories playing for the DeKalb County Tigers, Nokes said, "Winning the region championship. The feeling from that, you really can't compare anything to that. I want to thank my family and friends, my coaches, the fans, and God most of all for giving me the ability to do what I do."
“He has played a lot of football for us," Tigers Head Coach Steve Trapp told the Smithville Review. "He was sprinkled in there a little bit as a freshman, but ever since his sophomore year he's been a consistent name on the field. To all the colleges I talked to, we were talking about a guy that has made plays in all three phases of the game."
Coach Trapp continued, "Twice in his career he was named 'All Region Return Man of the Year,' so he had a lot of plays on special teams. These last two years he really became a playmaker on offense as a wide receiver. This past year he averaged over 20 yards a catch so when he was catching the football it was big plays. His catch to touchdown ratio was huge too. He just made some huge plays."
"He sealed the region victory for us at Macon County with a touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter. Defensively, he helped us in a way that we didn’t have to worry about one side of the field as far as the passing game goes. Not a lot of people tested him. He was a student of the game. He was a technician of the game and worked extremely hard."
Nokes’ joins three other DCHS football players from the 2020-21 senior class who will be moving on to the college level. QB Axel Aldino will be playing at the University of Central Missouri, while Tyzaun Ladet will be attending Bethel University, and Evan Jones at Tennessee Tech.
“This class has now got four guys who are going to play [college] football," Coach Trapp explained. "We have never had that many. I'm just super proud of each and everyone of those guys as individuals, and as what they meant as a senior group as well. They accomplished a lot and they set the bar pretty high for every senior class coming behind them.”
During his time with the Tigers, Nokes was honored as the 2018 Team Defensive Back, the 2018 All-Region Most Outstanding Returner, the 2019 Team Defensive Player of the Year, the 2019 All Region Most Outstanding Returner, the 2020 All Region Offensive MVP, and the 2020 Team Offensive Player of the Year.
Photo:
DCHS Tiger Football Senior Desmond Nokes was joined by friends and family last Wednesday, March 3, as he signed a letter of intent to play for the UT Martin Skyhawks. Pictured seated from left are Toby Nokes - father, Desmond Nokes, and Jamie Greco - mother. Pictured back row from left are Justis Nokes, Tayvian Nokes, and Jayde Stanley.
