Decisions, decisions
Eight area players who will participate in national signing day today reflect on how the recruiting process went for them, the factors that weighed into their colleges of choice, and what they’ll be looking forward to in their new environments.

Over the next few years, fans watching college football will see a lot of faces from the Houston area. Once again, several players will sign to play with schools in other states. As they prepare to sign their letters of intent today, a handful of the area’s football stars answered questions about the recruiting process, about leaving town and about their futures.

Kellen Jones

St. Pius, Michigan

Q: How did you end up at Michigan?

A:It was a dream offer from the get-go. My dad's dream was to go there, and he passed it on to me. It's Michigan — Big House football. It's a great academic school with history and tradition, the winningest program in college football, so it's an all-purpose fit.

Q: So you're going to be living your dad's dream. How thrilled is he?

(Dad Sean Jones played at Morehouse College, Martin Luther King Jr.'s alma mater.)

A:He's so excited. I think he might be more excited than I am. He singsHail to the Victors.He's looking up the videos and all types of stuff.

Q: Did you look at other schools?

A:I did look at some . It did make me nervous (after coach Rich Rodriguez was fired). But at the same time, the program makes football, not one head coach. But I was a little nervous about the (coaching search). I wanted to see who came in. I don't want to go in with somebody who doesn't like me. I'm getting a great vibe with (new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, late of the Baltimore Ravens) and coach (Brady) Hoke as the head coach. Everything is great.

Grant Clifton

Katy, Navy

Q: Did you enjoy the recruiting process?

A: My first offer was from Navy, actually, and I didn't really consider it because I was trying to focus on the season. I just kept talking to (assistant) coach (Danny) O'Rourke all year long. Some other schools popped into the mix, but I just told them I'll decide in December or January, whenever I play my last game. And it's pretty cool, because on Christmas Eve - my grandparents came down every single week and watched me play, and I hadn't told my family or anything - I wrapped (my pick) up in a present, like a shirt, and gave it to my grandparents.

That's where everyone wanted me to go; they just didn't want to say it.

Q: How challenging do you think it will be to play at a service academy?

A:I've heard the mental aspect is what gets everyone. But I feel very confident coming from Katy that I'll be prepared for everything.

Q: Will it be tough for you playing so far from home?

A:That's the one bad thing, because I definitely like to come home and get some home-cooked meals from my mom and dad. But it's an experience, and there comes a time in every man's life when he has to grow up.

Daniel Lasco

The Woodlands, California

Q:How tough was the decision to go to California?

A: It was kind of tough just knowing that it's far away from my family. But once I got out there and sat down with the coaches, I just knew it was the right place for me. The location's wonderful, the coaching staff seems like they're on my side, and they're wanting me to become a better person and a better player. And going there, I know I will definitely pursue that goal.

Q: What did you think about the whole recruiting process?

A:Every single time a new college would come out and offer me, then there would just be more stuff on my plate. Once it got to a certain point, it was just stressful.

Sam Ukwuachu

Pearland, Boise State

Q: Was picking Boise State an easy or difficult decision?

A:It was kind of tough because not all the schools I wanted to come at me came at me. A couple lower-profile schools, but Boise was really the first big school that's really known to come at me and trusted me. Most people think that just because I'm 6-5, 205, I'm kind of light, but I feel I can throw on the weight in college.

Q: How was the recruiting process?

A:It was kind of stressful. I can't imagine what people who haven't committed are going through during the season - a lot of people calling you all the time, Rivals and calling you. So it's stressful.

What do you think it will be like playing at a BCS-busting powerhouse?

A:Right now, Boise's on a high. They're moving up more. Their name's profile is moving up. But the main thing my parents wanted me to focus on was graduating. The academics are the most important thing any school can offer, and Boise's always in the top five graduating their players. And I'm pretty excited playing on a big stage.

Givens Mordi Price

Alief Taylor, Nebraska

Q: How did you end up at Nebraska?

A:After going up there for my visit, I found out I really like the place. It was just like home. The coaches were great, the faculty was great, and then the academic program was also good, and they provided the major that I wanted.

Q: How difficult was the decision?

A:I was committed to Rice at the time, so it was difficult. But I wanted to get out of Texas, because Texas is too hot .

Q: What do you think about Nebraska's move to the Big Ten?

A:I have hopes of making it to the NFL, so I've got to get used to the cold weather one way or another.

Dustin Garrison

Pearland, West Virginia

Q: How did you pick West Virginia?

A:Even after the state (championship) game, I wasn't getting the calls I was looking for. I was getting some attention, but not from the guys I was looking for. But then I get a call from the (former) running backs coach at Oklahoma State, coach (Robert) Gillespie, and he lets me know that he's interested but he's going to be getting a new coaching job soon and he wants me to come with him. But he wouldn't tell me where he was going. He told me just watch the bowl game and I'll find out. So I watched the game, and after the game I hear the commentators talk about coach (Dana) Holgorsen and the offensive staff going to West Virginia.

Q: What was this season like for you, going from an underappreciated back with no offers to state champion and West Virginia-bound?

A:I feel like I played a lot harder this year than I've ever played. I had a lot to prove. A lot of guys always talk down about my size and my ability on the field, and that helped me become a better athlete.

Q: Can you keep that chip on your shoulder in college, and howvital is that for your performance?

A: I feel like I'll be able to carry this momentum and ability to the college level. There's still guys talking about my size and telling me that I can't do this and that I don't belong at West Virginia or any other D-I college.

But even if I didn't have people talking about my size, I still have a lot to play for. I'm playing for my family, I'm playing for the city of Pearland, and I'm also playing for my family back home in New Orleans.

Q: Do you know what West Virginia's plans are for you next season?

A:They want to use me as a running back, as a quick back. The guys they have there don't fit what Gillespie and coach Holgorsen are looking for. They're looking for some speed, and the guys they have there at West Virginia now are the big guys who can't really run.

Charles Jackson

Klein Collins, Nebraska

Q: You had several offers (Florida, Oklahoma, Texas). How did you decide on Nebraska?

A:They actually weren't in the picture at all and came to the table late. It was tough, because Arkansas was in the picture, too. They were all great offers and schools, and when it came down to it, I had to decide on the position coach I wanted to be with. Plus, I play defense, and Nebraska is a great program for someone on that side of the ball.

Q: Lincoln is a football city. How excited are you to play there?

A:Having that experience to play for fans like that, where people really care about football, is a huge deal. I really can't wait to experience it.

Q: It gets pretty cold in Nebraska. Are you ready for that?

A:I tell everyone all I need is a jacket and I will be fine. I am ready.

Christian Jones

Westfield, Northwestern

Q: You chose Northwestern. Did academics play a pretty big role?

A:Academics were the most important thing to me . I want to be great on the field and in the classroom. My knee also played a role. (Jones tore his right ACL during spring football.) I had several offers, and a few pulled back. Northwestern did not, and that spoke volumes to me.

Q: How was the process after you got the injury?

A:It was hard, but I believed that the right school would still give me a chance, and they did. I am really happy how things worked out .