Llano’s Colton Center to play football at Mary Hardin-Baylor
Llano High School senior Colton Center (middle) dons a University of Mary Hardin-Baylor visor after he signs his letter of intent to be a Crusader during a signing ceremony at Llano High School on Feb. 25. Also attending are Llano offensive coordinator Jarrett Vickers (left), line coach Bobby Williams, parents Jackie and Lance Center, Llano head coach Craig Slaughter and Llano High School Principal David Wuest. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER
LLANO — Twelve months ago, Llano High School senior lineman Colton Center began the journey of trying to find the uniform he would wear for the next four years.
On Feb. 25, he announced his decision to play for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, one of the top Division III programs in the nation. The Crusaders finished in the top 10 of the Division III national poll for the 10th consecutive year after posting an 11-2 record in 2015 and losing 38-35 to Linfield College in the national quarterfinals. UMHB also won at least a share of the American Southwest Conference championship for the 11th straight season.
Aside from the fact the Crusaders have a whopping 91.8 winning percentage, the university is starting an engineering program in 2017. When Center heard that, he was sold.
“It’s a good school and a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s the culture over there. It breeds success in academics and athletics.”
He also enjoyed the game-day experience that brings the community to the football stadium, which opened about three years ago, noting ballgames are an event in Belton.
“The community is behind it,” he said. “It’s someplace I can see myself fitting in.”
That’s just one part that’s similar to playing for a Division I program, the player said. Other parts that impressed Center were the locker room, weight room and football offices.
His dad, Lance, said when his son took a tour of the stadium, Colton saw his photo and bio on the big screen. When he walked into the locker room, his name was already on a locker. And he was able to tour the president’s suite in the press box.
But none of that happens without the work ethic, attitude, determination and talent the player displayed while he was a four-year letterman for the Yellow Jackets.
Center began playing for his dad in the third grade. Back then, the goal was to play for the Llano Junior High School program.
“When I’m wearing a Daubers jersey, I’ll have it all,” he remembers thinking. “Then in the seventh grade, I thought, ‘When I’m wearing a Yellow Jackets jersey, I’ll have it all.’ Last year, I didn’t know what jersey I’ll be wearing. But I think I found it.”
UMHB linebackers coach Jack Johnson, who recruited Center, said the Jacket has the mindset to play college football.
“You light up on your man,” Center recalled Johnson saying. “You drive him and block him until he drops or the whistle blows.”
Center already played at UMHB’s Crusader Stadium when the Jackets lost to Glen Rose 35-26 in a bi-district championship in 2013. Before the game was played, however, Center fell in love with the facility. Center believes he’ll have better memories once he dons the purple jersey.
Right now, the plan is for Center to play on the UMHB junior varsity team, which was fine with him, he said. The Crusaders have a freshman center already. However, Center has played all five positions in Llano. That versatility made him a must-get for UMHB. But the decision to delay playing on the varsity for a year was important because Center will use it to learn.
“The speed of the game is way higher,” he said.
Llano head coach Craig Slaughter said Center has always had a maturity level to him that has aided him in his work ethic and not quitting if he doesn’t immediately have the success he wants.
“He’s still maturing on a physical level,” he said. “His powerlifting numbers are improved, which is rare for a senior. Physically, he still has some ways to go, which is a great deal.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com