Thanks for the memories: Greenies reflect on signing day
National Signing Day, when high school seniors sign a commitment to play football in a college program, is a life-changing moment. New head football coach Willie Fritz and the Green Wave are celebrating the day in style today (Feb. 3), but the event also brought back memories for former and current Tulane University team members, who remember it well.
Orleans Darkwa: Signed with Tulane in 2010
(Running Back – New York Giants)
“National Signing Day was a very special moment for me. It showed that all my hard work on and off the field was paying off and leading me to a new opportunity in life. I was excited to take advantage of it all. My focus in the classroom led to me earning my degree, and my focus on the field was a stepping stone to starting my NFL career.”
Cairo Santos: Signed with Tulane in 2010
(Kicker – Kansas City Chiefs)
“I will never forget the day that Coach (Greg) Davis called me and offered me a full-ride scholarship to Tulane. Ever since I started playing football in high school it became a dream of mine to get to the next level and get my education paid for. National Signing Day was a special day for me because it was a dream come true day where all my hard work was paying off. I’m very thankful for family and coaches who were involved in making that happen, and especially to Tulane University for giving me a chance to continue to play football and get a world-class education.”
Ryan Griffin: Signed with Tulane in 2008
(Quarterback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
“Signing with Tulane University on National Signing Day was a day I’ll never forget.”
Lorenzo Doss: Signed with Tulane in 2012
(Cornerback – Denver Broncos)
“National Signing Day meant a lot to me, especially because I got to stay at home and play in New Orleans. I just wanted to help change the program. As far as that goes, Tulane hadn’t had a winning season in a long time, so my focus was to get better and change the program around. Playing in the New Orleans Bowl was a blessing just to see all those people and to bring Tulane back to their first bowl game in a long time — that’s what we wanted to do.”
Chris Taylor: Signed with Tulane in 2013
(Senior – Offensive Guard)
“National Signing Day for me was the beginning of the end of one era and the start of a better one for me at Tulane.”
Jarrod Franklin: Signed with Tulane in 2013
(Redshirt-Junior – Defensive Back)
“The biggest decision of my life was National Signing Day when I signed up to be a Tulane Green Wave, and I believe it will lead me to endless opportunities for the rest of my life.”
Tanzel Smart: Signed with Tulane in 2013
(Senior – Defensive Tackle)
“Signing day was one of the best days of my life! It was truly a blessing to sign with the Tulane Green Wave.”
Sherman Badie: Signed with Tulane in 2013
(Redshirt-Junior – Running Back)
“Signing with Tulane University on National Signing Day was the best decision I have made. It has provided me with a bright future with a lot of support.”
