The student body at Texas Leadership Charter Academy San Angelo packed the gym out to celebrate senior fullback and linebacker Tyeson Smith, who signed to Austin College.
For Smith, continuing his football career at the next level is a goal that he said would make his dad Chad Smith, who died in 2012, so proud.
"This is a lifetime of work finally coming to fruition, this is a dream that my dad gave that is finally fulfilling. It's just a lot of hard work a lot of blood, sweat and tears finally coming together," Smith said.
During the football season, Smith was not only a threat on the field but also in the classroom by maintaining a 4.0 GPA. At the signing, Matt Jones, head football coach, reflected on Smith's accomplishments, while providing a message to other students about succeeding at the next level.
"We have something special here and that's what you all need to learn from this situation. A lot of you all in this room can go play. We talk about athletics all the time and when I'm in front of people I'm always trying to tell them there are positive things going on at this campus every single day in athletics. We are getting better every single time," Jones said.
Throughout the journey Smith believes the support of his teammates, coaches and family has carried him this far. For Brandon Flowers, defensive end coach, watching Smith sign was a proud moment for him.
"Getting to coach Tyeson was a blessing this year. He's a different type of kid on and off the field. We think his work ethic mixed with what he does on and off the field is going to contribute greatly to their game plan, their scheme and wherever they put him, he's going to succeed," Flowers said.
As Smith continues to compete at a high level, he will always remember his TLCA peers who helped him along the way.