West Texas A&M head football coach Hunter Hughes talks about his 2022 signing class to the media Wednesday. [Kale Steed/ Press Pass Sports]
West Texas A&M Head Football Coach Hunter Hughes announced a total of 43 players to the 22 signing class Wednesday.
During his press conference Wednesday afternoon Hughes was grateful and talked about commitment that this class represents.
“I think we went out and got the best needs for what we wanted,” said Hughes, who is 28-23 entering his sixth season at WT. “These guys all chose to be here at West Texas A&M. We keep it all about us, and what we do. I want guys like this class that want to be here, and be committed.”
Unlike last season, Hughes didn’t pick cherry pick the Texas Panhandle for talent. The only Amarillo-area player to sign was Spearman standout, Brayden Klafka. Klafka has been a leader for the Lynx the past two years, especially last fall. Before his season ended due to injury, Klafka, had 371 receiving yards, 271 rushing yards and threw for 104 yards combining for 12 touchdowns. He also made 77 tackles on defense with 4 interceptions
“Brayden is an athlete,” Hughes said. He did everything for them, and he reminds me of Hesston Marshall, who we brought in last year from Wheeler. I think he needs to grow a little, but he can help us in certain positions. He’s a good young man, and we’re glad to have him.”
Klafka echoed Hughes’ comment.
“I didn’t plan going to WT at first,” Klafka said. “But as soon as I stepped on campus I knew I wanted to go there. The coaches have great energy, and all they want is the best for you. This is something I’ve wanted to do since I’ve flag football. I couldn’t be happier.”
Out of the 43 signees, Hughes and his staff went heavy on linebackers, offensive and defensive lineman, as well as defensive backs. WT inked 12 linebackers, eight offensive and defensive lineman, and seven defensive backs.
“We had to get better on the pass rush,” Hughes said. “I think we brought in some guys with the ability to get off the ball. Defensive backs was another big necessity. You could see some guys come and play right away out of that group.”
Sosa Sokimi is one to keep an eye on Hughes says. The 6-foot, 260 pound defensive lineman hails from Lampasas where he was a first team All-District selection making 62 tackles with five sacks his senior season.
Defensive back, Omarion Jackson, is another signee Hughes is also high on.
Jackson is a Division I prospect from Salt Lake City, Utah.
“Omarion recently lost an offer to a Division I school,” Hughes said. “So he and his dad drove to Canyon last week from Utah, and they loved it here. He loved what our players had to say about the atmosphere at our stadium was like. He’s a guy that has a lot of potential.”
As of this writing there were no quarterbacks in the 2022 signing class. A first for Hughes during his six seasons. However, Hughes says he and his staff are hoping to add a quarterback in the near future. The quarterback room is stacked at the moment with veteran Nick Gerber returning along with backup Caleb Arreola, Canadian graduate, Joshua Culwell, and Kyle Brown.
For a look at the complete list from West Texas A&M’s 2022 signing class, please visit https://gobuffsgo.com/news/2022/2/2/2022-wt-football-signing-day-central.aspx