The Dayton Broncos football team celebrated three of its top senior and their college futures Wednesday evening.
Running back Jaleel Kendrick, defensive lineman Angelo Hadley and offensive lineman Donahvan Thibodeaux were all looking forward to what’s next.
“These kids have put in a whole lot of work and we’re excited for them to get an opportunity to play at the next level,” Dayton head coach Jerry Prieto said. “Especially nowadays. It’s extremely difficult nowadays for kids to sign to go play college football somewhere. It’s just getting more and more difficult. We’re excited about these young men and know they are going to go do great things.”
Prieto got to coach these Broncos just one season after taking over as head coach nearly a year ago. He saw three blossom in their own ways.
Kendrick is heading to Wayland Baptist, Hadley is set for Howard Payne University and Thibodeaux got a full ride to Midwestern State.
“It’s crazy,” Thibodeaux said when asked what he thought about having a signing ceremony. “It’s a lot to think about, but I’m ready for college ball.”
Thibodeaux just had his senior year of basketball end Tuesday night in the bi-district playoffs. He was excited when Midwestern State showed up to one of his games earlier this year.
“I feel like I had more chances to play,” Thibodeaux said. “They were a heavy senior team last year. They offered me the best, too.”
Thibodeaux, a 6-foot-5, 270-pounder, was All District 8-5A Division II second team. He comitted to Midwestern State on Feb. 4 after taking in about eight total offers.
Midwestern State is an NCAA Division II program in Wichita Falls.
“He’s getting a full ride and a lot those don’t happen at that level,” Prieto said. “He’s a really talented kid and he’s got a super high ceiling. We’re excited to see him go off and do great things, as well.”
Kendrick became a standout on offense after spending a majority of his Dayton career on defense.
Kendrick saw the college offers pick up as he racked up 1,372 all-purpose yards (746 rushing, 331 receiving as he switched to offense the second half of the season due to injuries. He totaled nine rushing scores, one touchdown reception and even threw for a touchdown. Kendrick had a pair of 100-yard rushing games – against Porter and West Fork.
“They are going to get a great kid that’s just does everything that you ask him to and plays hard,” Prieto said. “We’re excited to see his future.”
A 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, he’ll offer Wayland Baptist, an NAIA program in Plaineview, some stability on the offensive side of the ball.
“They want more offensive players in the running back room,” Kendrick said.
Kendrick went to NRG Stadium for a senior showcase after the high school season ended. That’s when Wayland Baptist’s coaching staff first spotted him.
“That was the first coach that came up to me at the showcase,” Kendrick said. “They were very interested in me and they kept in contact. I just picked them (also) because they will help me with my career path.”
Like Thibodeaux, Kendrick was also second-team All-District.
“I always imagined playing at the next level,” Kendrick said. “It was always a dream of mine. It’s just a blessing to be here today and to play at the next level. Not a lot of players get to do that.”
Hadley was a major contributor on the defensive side of the ball and was All-District honorable mention.
He totaled 47 tackles (eight for loss), two sacks and two fumble recoveries (one forced fumble).
“That kid just got better and better as the year went on,” Prieto said. “He really started becoming a dominant defensive lineman for us. He’s a great kid, great work ethic, and he’s going to do great things in college.”
Hadley brings a 6-foot-2, 235-pound frame to the NCAA Division II program in Brownwood.
First andf foremost, Howard Payne fit Hadley’s academic needs.
“It mostly what I was looking for, so I decided to go with it,” Hadley said.
He fell in love with the football facilities once he visited.
“I’m gonna fit right in and if not, there’s another spot if I need to change,” Hadley said when asked about playing time. “I’m adaptable, so that’s fine.”
Seen here at Dayton football’s signing ceremony on Feb. 19, 2025 are (from left) Jaleel Kendrick, Angelo Hadley, head coach Jerry Prieto and Donahvan Thibodeaux, (Chris Zorzi/SportCast Media)
