Desoto independent school district

Eight seniors from the DeSoto High School football program celebrated their commitment to college programs with an early signing day ceremony Wednesday, December 4, 2024, inside the Chris Dyer Gymnasium.  

Family, friends, teachers, and students all gathered at 9 a.m. to witness these Eagles sign their letters of intent and soar to the next level.  

The event recognizes the hard work, dedication, and achievements of these scholars as they commit to continuing their athletic and academic careers. 

Among the signees, six players announced commitments to Division 1 schools: Kelden Ryan, Keylan Abrams, Deondrae “Tiger” Riden, Sael Reyes, Daylon Singleton, and Byron Washington.  

“I think this is a great day and a really good event that DeSoto High School has put on,” said Denise Ryan, mother of Kelden Ryan who committed to the University of Virginia Tech.  

Ryan has led the Eagles this season by throwing for 2,353 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions and is listed as one of the best quarterbacks in the class of 2026 according to Sports Illustrated. 

“I feel blessed to be here,” said Ryan. “I thank my family and coaches for everything and I’m just grateful to be here. Every teacher, every coach has been with me every step of the way, helping me in the classroom and on the field.”  

Surrounded by his family, standout DeSoto Eagle Deondrae “Tiger” Riden, a four-star recruit, committed to Texas A&M University in front of a large crowd in the gymnasium. Riden is rated as the top-ranked running back in Texas and ranked No. 25 in ESPN’s list of top running backs in the country.  

 

Click Here to View Event Photos

“I worked long nights and long days to get to this point and I’m super excited,” said Riden. “It means a lot to me to have coach Mathis and this great coaching staff. I trusted them and they trusted me, and we’re going to go out with a bang,” said Riden excitedly about the remainder of the season. 

Riden’s mother, Shalunda Head, echoed that sentiment, expressing her trust in coach Mathis. 

“I loved coach Mathis ever since I've met him. I've trusted Tiger with him, and he's shown me that I could trust him with my son, so he's absolutely wonderful,” said Head.  

The 2025 Class of DeSoto High School football program student-athlete commitments are listed below:  

This event highlights the tradition of DeSoto High School students rising to the next level and the accomplishments of each talented student-athlete and their transition to the next chapter in their academic and athletic careers.

View video of DHS football program signing day.