Two football standouts at DCHS have signed to play college football.
Seniors Eli Cross and Tayvian Nokes put pen to paper Wednesday at noon making a commitment to Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky. The home of the Blue Raiders. DCHS football coach Steve Trapp, fellow teammates, and members of their families joined them for the signing.
LWC is a private four-year college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school currently offers associate degrees in 10 areas of study, bachelor’s degrees in 26 areas of study with Minors in 20 areas, and master’s degrees in counseling and human development, Education, and interactive design. Lindsey Wilson is a member of the Mid-South Conference of the NAIA.
“It’s national signing day for college football players and we’re fortunate to have a couple of guys, Eli Cross and Tayvian Nokes, who have done well in high school both in the classroom and on the field to have the opportunity to continue to play football. They have both signed with Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky and we’re proud of those guys,” said Coach Trapp.
For DCHS, Nokes played on the offensive and defensive line at right guard and defensive tackle. At Lindsey Wilson, he is expected to be a defensive lineman. “For us he was a two way player on the line but he really excelled in the middle of our defense, especially this past year. He is being looked at more as a defensive lineman with Lindsey,” added Coach Trapp.
“Lindsey Wilson is a great school academically and their football program is usually top ten in their conference and division every year. I am really excited to be playing college football and especially to be playing for their team. They had me listed at first as offered for both offensive and defensive lineman but they officially have me on the roster as a defensive lineman now. I would like to thank my mom and dad. My father coached me all the way until high school basically. I was a quarterback in junior pro and defensive lineman. At the high school, Coach Trapp, Coach (Michael) Shaw, and Coach Clarence (Trapp) pushed me to be a better player and to get better every single day. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. Last but not least is God. I definitely couldn’t be here without Him and the gifts He has given me,” said Nokes.
Cross played for the Tigers at left tackle and defensive end. He is expected to play on the offensive line at Lindsey. “Eli is going to be looked at more on the offensive side of the ball and maybe inside as a guard or maybe as a tackle,” said Coach Trapp.
“From the time I visited them I really thought I would be a good fit there. The major that I am going to major in is a really good business program. They are on the rise right now. They have only had a (football) program for like seven years but they went 11-1 last year. I love the coaching staff and I am really impressed with what they have been able to accomplish so far. I think we have a shot at winning a national championship with them. I would like to thank my entire family. They have been a blessing my whole life. They have pushed me to be the greatest I can be. I definitely want to thank Coach Trapp. Honestly you can’t ask for a better coach than him. Coach Shaw is a great defensive coordinator. Coach Clarence has been my line coach ever since I’ve been in high school. He has been a great influence on me. But without God I couldn’t have done anything,” said Cross.
At the annual awards banquet last month, Nokes was named Best Defensive Lineman and Cross received the Best Offensive Lineman Award. Nokes was also named Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman in Region 4 3A while Cross was selected to the 1st Team All Region. They were further selected to the All Herald Citizen Team from the Upper Cumberland. Nokes was named to the 2nd team as Defensive Lineman and Cross received Honorable Mention.
“Although they will be representing a new color and logo at Lindsey Wilson College they will always still represent DCHS black and gold and Tiger Pride wherever they go,” added Coach Trapp.
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