Ward on the rise
Dallas (Texas) Skyline 2016 running back Da'Leon Ward rushed 853 yards and 6 touchdowns while recording 168 yards and 4 touchdowns receiving as a sophomore in 2013. He was rewarded for his efforts with 9-5A Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors.
In the spring, Skyline coaches made sure to let people know the 5-foot-10, 180-pound back was definitely a prospect to watch, and then one day Ward's life was changed.
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The date was May 21, 2014, and it will likely be a day Ward will not forget for some time.
It was a Wednesday and it started like any normal day. Then the offers began. First there was Louisville which extended an offer around 10:30 a.m. Then TCU offered around 1:30 p.m. About an hour later, UNLV threw its hat in the ring and placed an offer on the table as well.
"Well it's amazing and for three to come in one day, I was proud and my mother was proud," Ward said. "Now I just have to stay focused and keep working."
Ward is getting to know more about each of his three scholarship options, and starting to develop relationships. However, he does have a few thoughts on his options
"They run the ball and that's the best me," Ward said of Louisville. "I love to run the ball."
"TCU is one of my top colleges," Ward said. "I enjoyed getting the offer from TCU. I hope this visit goes well."
"I don't really know too much about it, but I've been doing some searches on them so I'm learning more about them and the system," he added about UNLV.
Now Ward has a few decisions to make. Decisions like which camps he will attend and when and where to take visits. He already has a few answers in mind.
Ward is planning to visit TCU on Saturday, and he plans to attend camps at Texas, Louisville, and Kansas.
The standout running back admits he grew up a fan of the TCU Horned Frogs, and so far they have taken an early lead in his recruiting process. There are a few reasons why the Horned Frogs have caught his attention.
"The system and how their running backs work out and their routine and work ethic," Ward said.
In addition to the Horned Frogs, he also grew up a fan of the Texas Longhorns, and like TCU it was the Longhorns ground game which caught his eye.
Ward has also started carefully considering his options.
"I've been thinking about it and I've been thinking about it a lot," Ward said. "I sit down and think about it myself and I do my own research."
All of that said, Ward plans to take his time when it comes to making the ultimate decision.
"No, I wasn't planning on making an early decision," Ward said.