After revealing and committing to his choice back in August, Magnolia’s three-time Class 5A All-State running back Kadyn Roach officially signed an NCAA Division I letter-of-intent Wednesday morning.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder will play next fall at the school he committed to, which is the University of Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks are members of the Sun Belt Conference.
“This moment feels great for me. It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember,” Roach said following the signing ceremony that was held in the Magnolia High School Media Center.
Several school administrators, teachers, coaches, family members, teammates and other students attended.
Though Louisiana-Monroe was one of several schools that recruited Roach, the running back said he felt “wanted” at ULM.
“From that very first time I set foot on campus, ULM showed they really wanted me. They made me feel like I was already one of them,” he explained.
Competing for the Magnolia Warriors (youth organization) to joining the Panther program as a 7th grader, Roach said lots of people played key roles in helping him get to where he is today.
“Overall, football has taught me about discipline not only on the field, but how to handle myself in life as well. I strive to be the best, which is something that football has taught me,” he said.
The athlete added, “Since I can remember, coaches have told me that nothing comes easy. You have to put in the hard work,” said Roach.
He noted that family is very important to him and he can’t thank his enough for its support over the years.
“They are there for everything I do,” he said.
Magnolia head coach John Panter said Roach is a special athlete, adding not many players in the state or country can claim to be a three-time all-state football player.
Roach is the all-time leading rusher in Magnolia football history with 4,473 yards and the leader in touchdowns scored with 50.
As a sophomore, he carried the ball 167 times for 1,412 yards and 12 TDs, followed by a junior season that saw him gain 1,648 yards on 164 carries and 18 touchdowns.
He rushed for nearly 1,500 yards on 144 carries last season and crossed the goal line 20 times.
“Five out the eight games he played in this past season, he rushed for 200 yards or more,” said Panter.
The coach said the entire Magnolia coaching staff is thrilled about Roach’s achievement and anticipate him having a bright future.
Magnolia Athletic Director Marvin Lindsey Jr. told those in attendance that it’s great when an athlete sign his or her letter-of-intent, but everyone doesn’t see the hard work that was put in to get to that point.
“You see the finish product in Kadyn, but you don’t know how many nights and days he worked to get his body and mind in shape for this next level,” said Lindsey, adding he’s aware of just how hard Kadyn works.
The coach said he’s been around Kadyn’s family for many years, coaching when his father Kerry led the Panthers to a state basketball championship.
“Magnolia High School is proud of you today. You’re the leading rusher here and Magnolia High School has been around for a long time,” Lindsey told Roach.
The athletic director praised Roach for being a model student.
“Others needed to see how you have conducted yourself. You represented not only our program, but yourself, family and community in a special way,” he said.
Lindsey said ULM is getting a great football player and a first-class person.