National Signing Day (NSD) is a very important day for all athletes of all sports.

One of the top basketball recruits at Hillcrest High School Darrion (DB) Baker who’s attending the University of Akron next year recently signed. He had also verbally committed to the University of Akron in the summer on August 10, 2022, before school started. It’s a great feeling for Hillcrest High School to have athletes commit and sign to schools at the next level.

College football traditional national signing day has just recently passed on February 1st. As college football’s 2023 recruiting cycle wraps up, Hillcrest High School has a couple athletes signing. Those athletes are Khani McNeese, Marcus Johnson, Jaquan (Chubbz) Younkins, Ousman Sylla, and Craig Stiff. Each athlete has broken down what school they will be attending, and why and how they came up with their decision.

I, Khani McNeese,  will be attending Ball State University because When I went on my visit they made me feel at home from the second I got there. The campus was beautiful; I loved the setup. Their dorms had just been rebuilt in 2021. On top of that, they had just had a $300,000 facility remodeling. It was a win/win for me.

Marcus Johnson who will be attending Carroll University. Marcus loved Carroll from the very beginning; he said, “It’s nice to see a different environment where it’s peaceful and eco-friendly. I believe this is the right place for me to prepare for my future and open up new opportunities while also building new relationships.”

Heading to Oakland City University, Jaquan (Chubbz) Younkins  said, “It was a nice opportunity for me to get away and to play at the next level. Me and the coaching staff clicked instantly, so I knew this would be the place for me. Also, the university was amazing and had many things to offer on and off the field. After my visit to the campus, I knew this was a place for me.”

Ousman Sylla will be attending McKendree University. Ousman just couldn’t pass up on the opportunity; he said, “Not only is it a very nice university, it’s a wonderful environment. Also, I like where the football program is at right now. It’s a very peaceful campus with around 2,000 people on campus. I like the academic programs very well. There are a lot of opportunities to become successful at the university. I feel like going there can help me achieve my goals. All in all – I believe it’s the best fit for me and my family.”

Last, but not least, Craig Stiff will be attending Lakeland University. He chose to sign there because “it offers a wide range of academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities that I believe will help me reach my goals. The college also has a great reputation for providing a supportive and nurturing environment for its students. Additionally, the college has a diverse student body and faculty, which I believe will help me gain a better understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and ideas. Lastly, the college is located near my hometown, which will make it easier for me to visit family and friends.”

It was a great 2023 National Signing Day for all athletes at Hillcrest High School.

We pray and hope all is well for these athletes at the next level.