SENATOBIA - Early National Signing Day came and went on Wednesday, and Northwest saw 10!of its departing sophomores sign letters of intent with various Division I college football programs.

This year's class was highlighted by NJCAA All-Americans Dylan Spencer and Charles Thomas, who signed with Central Arkansas and ULM, respectively. The duo was joined by eight more signees - defensive lineman Tristan Shorter (ULM), defensive lineman Dimonyai Lacey (Temple), defensive lineman Rod Daniels (Liberty), offensive lineman Cameron Pascal (Memphis), offensive lineman Melvin Collins, Jr. (Western Kentucky), tight end Derrick Harden (Alabama State), running back Xavier Davis (Northwestern State) and defensive back Ja'Marlin Green (Arkansas-Pine Bluff).

(*Additionally, a pair of former Rangers moved to different four-year programs in the transfer portal. Former Northwest linebacker Sam Brumfield signed with Virginia Tech, while former Memphis offensive lineman Davion Carter signed with Texas Tech.)

Spencer was one of the most pivotal pieces of the Northwest offensive line this season. The Madison native helped pave the way for the Rangers to net over 1,600 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. The unit also allowed Northwest to thrive in the passing game, as quarterback Keegan Patterson tossed for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Spencer is the third Northwest player to sign with the Bears in the last two seasons, joining Kiyon Williams and Rontavious "Dude" Person.

Thomas and Shorter served vital roles in helping the Northwest defense this season. Thomas, a third-year defensive back from Horn Lake, led the team in both interceptions and pass breakups. The Horn Lake native tied freshman Fredd Adams with six breakups and stood alone with three interceptions, adding to his season total of 36 tackles and a fumble recovery. Two of Thomas' interceptions came in the season-opener at Mississippi Gulf Coast and he also earned a season-high two pass breakups in the MACCC semifinal loss at Copiah-Lincoln.

Meanwhile, Shorter tied freshman NJCAA All-American D.J. Burgess for the Rangers' third-most tackles, while also leading the team in tackles-for-loss (12) and sacks (3.5). The Oxford native and JUCOWeekly All-MACCC North Division selection provided a season-high 10 tackles against Northeast, helping the Rangers seal a much-needed victory and the program's 10th straight playoff berth. He also added two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.

With the additions of Shorter and Thomas, ULM has now signed four Northwest players in the last two seasons, as the pair join current Warhawks Jay Mickle and Matt Williams.

Lacey, a native of Eufaula, Ala., joins Temple after one season in Senatobia, where he produced 15 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. Lacey had a season-best five tackles in the Rangers' regular-season finale against Northeast and is the first Ranger to sign with the Owls since Deon Porter in 1996.

In his second stint with Northwest, Daniels compiled 26 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and a pair of sacks. The Horn Lake native and previous Alabama State signee racked up a season-high six tackles in the Rangers' regular-season finale against Northeast, while also earning All-MACCC accolades this season.

As one of the leaders on the Northwest offensive line, Pascal earned several Division I offers over the course of the season. The Union native played in all 10 games this season and garnered All-MACCC recognition. Pascal is the fifth Ranger to make the Tigers' roster since 2020, joining the likes of Carter, Hunter Hulsey, Tanner Gillis and William Stewart.

Another solid force on the front line, Collins played and started in all 10 contests, earning All-MACCC and NJCAA All-Region 23 honors. The Terry native is only the second Ranger to suit up for WKU in the past 13 years, joining Desmyn Baker, who spent the last two seasons with the Hilltoppers before recently entering the transfer portal.

In his two seasons in the Northwest backfield, Davis tallied 618 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 128 carries. As a sophomore, the Flowood native rushed for 330 yards and five touchdowns on 70 carries. He collected a season-best 105 rushing yards in the Rangers' road win at Mississippi Delta on October 12, and notched his lone rushing touchdown in the season-opener at Mississippi Gulf Coast.

A native of Union Church, Green was voted Honorable Mention All-MACCC for his efforts as a sophomore. He totaled 43 tackles, two pass breakups, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and an interception, including a career-high eight tackles in the MACCC semifinal loss at Copiah-Lincoln.  Green is the first Northwest alumnus to sign with Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

In all, Northwest has produced 155 four-year players since 2016, when Benjy Parker took over the head coaching reins. Of those players, 128 have signed at the Division I level and 85 have joined FBS programs.

Northwest finished the 2023 season with a 7-3 overall record and the program's 10th straight postseason appearance. Since 2016, Parker and the Rangers have compiled a 65-19 record and a .774 winning percentage.