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Making it official: Raulerson inks letter of intent with Texas
BY CHRIS O'DELL, codell@starlocalnews.com
CELINA -- It was only a formality after an early commitment took away any surprise of Celina lineman Jake Raulerson's future collegiate team.
However, the standout two-way lineman made it official Friday afternoon with a ceremony at the Celina High School library in front of family and friends.
"It's a huge weight off my chest," Raulerson said. "Being able to do this was a big deal to me."
"[Raulerson] has worked very hard to get where he's at," said Bill Elliott, Celina head football coach. "He deserves it."
Friday's ceremony was truly a formality though considering Raulerson has already made the move to Austin and begun practicing for his new team.
"He wanted to sign in front of his friends and family," Elliott said. "He wanted that same experience as some of the other athletes that have come through here and went on to the next level."
Raulerson led the Bobcats to a 10-3 mark during his senior campaign, anchoring the offensive line from right tackle and also causing havoc as a defensive lineman. The Longhorn surrendered just one sack and finished the season with an average grade of 96 percent after racking up 32 pancakes and 28 downfield blocks.
"He always gave so much effort," Elliott said. "He was a great leader for the team. I couldn't ask for a better player to coach."
Raulerson cleared the way for a ground game that was the staple of Celina's offense during his high school career. With Texas returning a slew of running backs in sophomores Joe Bergeron and Malcolm Brown, as well as freshman Johnathan Gray, the same impact could soon be felt in the state's capital city.
"I think we're going to have a great team next year," Raulerson said.
Despite playing right tackle and defensive end at Celina, Raulerson will make the switch to strictly center for Texas and can now focus on playing just one position.
"It's weird," Raulerson said. "I won't be as winded as I usually am though."
The 6-foot-5 lineman, who is ranked as a four-star recruit by Rivals, has already shown the same work ethic at Texas that gave opposing teams nightmares at Celina.
"They already love Jake [in Austin]," Elliott said. "He fits in real well and the players have welcomed him because they see how hard he works all the time."
Hard work is something the first-year Celina head coach has preached and something Raulerson has taken with him to the collegiate level.
"[Elliott] helped me get here and helped me become the man I am today," Raulerson said. "It's been an amazing four years here in Celina."
Celina will now have the tough task of replacing Raulerson before the 2013 season. The 2012 all-district and all-Collin County selection won't be an easy player to find a substitute for either.
"We're not going to be able to replace a player like that," Elliott said. "You just have to hope the kids will step in there and fill in."
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