STAFF REPORTS
Many boys can’t wait to be old enough to put on the pads and play in a real game for their favorite team. Some are fortunate enough to play past the high school level, including San Marcos Academy senior Eddy Haddad who signed his National Letter of Intent on Saturday in Kyle.
In a ceremony in front of friends and family, Haddad, a former Lehman High athlete who played defensive tackle for the Bears, chose to play for the NCAA Division II Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies, in Goodwell, Oklahoma.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, prior to his move to Texas, Haddad developed his skills in another contact sport.
Haddad, a second-degree black belt martial artist, was a three-time Michigan State Junior Champion and a two-time Junior Olympic gold medalist.
“I feel he used his martial art skills in football every snap. It really helped him transition into the sport and made him dominant using techniques to get past lineman,” said his father Eddie Haddad.
Eddy Haddad was also named to the SportsMarketingExperts.com Bowl in Houston, Texas, as a defensive player. He also received the SMEBowl.com Spirit Award.
Meeting the coaches soon after the season, he said he felt comfortable with the Oklahoma Panhandle State coaching staff.
“I can really see myself in an Aggie uniform. It’s a great program, a great school and a great opportunity. I’m proud to be a part of the Aggies Nation and I hope to come into training camp and make an impact right away, even as a freshman,” he said.
Haddad joins Vista Ridge defensive back James Cameron, St. Michael’s athlete Tyler Paul, Thrall linebacker Bradley Scruggs and San Marcos Academy teammate Aubrey Oswalt in Oklahoma Panhandle State’s 2012 signing class.