San Marcos, TX- Boys covered in sweat and dirt, playing pickup games of football can’t wait to be old enough to put on the pads and play in a real game. Some are fortunate enough to play past the high school level, including San Marcos Academy Senior Aubrey Oswalt, who signed his national letter of intent Thursday.

Oswalt, who played Quarterback and Cornerback for the Bears, chose to play for the NCAA Division II Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies, coming full circle from his pickup games and 6-man football games, which he began at an early age said his father Ron Oswalt.

Aubrey Oswalt (center) signed his national letter of intent Thursday afternoon at San Marcos Academy. Oswalt will be playing football for NCAA Division II Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Pictured with Oswalt are (top row) SMA President Dr. John Garrison, SMA Head Basketball Coach and mentor Kelia Price (bottom row) mother Machel Oswalt and father Ronald Oswalt. (Photo courtesy: Richard V. Lopez III)

“He started in Houston in the fourth grade playing Junior High football early for the Texas Christian Tigers, and he excelled as soon as he touched the ball,” said his father, CEO of Sports Marketing Experts. “He wanted to keep up with the Junior High and Varsity teams in two-a-days who were anywhere from 3 to 7 years older than him.”

Oswalt, who led the Bears with 3 interceptions this year, including a 52 yard one returned for a touchdown vs. the Texas School for the Deaf Rangers of Austin, is excited to fulfill his dream of playing college football.

“I am proud that Aubrey will have this opportunity to further his education and pursue his dream of playing at the next level,” said SMA Head Coach Les Davis.

This year, Oswalt was selected for the SportsMarketingExpert.Com Bowl in Houston as both an offensive and defensive player. During this game, Oswalt went on to receive the “Spirit Award”. He also was named the Upperhand Promotions Texas High School Player of the Week and San Marcos Academy’s Defensive Player of the Week.

“Aubrey Oswalt has great football awareness,” said former Air Force and Texas Tech coach and current Hyde Park Baptist Head Coach Dean Campbell. “As a defensive back, he has the ability to see the ball out of the QB’s hand and take good angles to the football. He has great ball skills when the ball is coming his way and he has a knack for getting his hands on the ball.”

Oswalt looked at various schools, but in the end decided OPSU was the place he wanted to continue his education and football playing career.

“After meeting the coaches and players at OPSU, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of this program,” Oswalt said. “I am excited to not only work hard on the field, but off the field as well and obtain a quality education. I am also thankful for the support of ‘Athletes 4 Tomorrow’ and their support during the recruitment process.”

Oswalt is set to enroll in the marketing program at OPSU this upcoming summer, getting an early start to both academics and athletics, which excited Oklahoma Panhandle State University Head Coach Jon Lyles.

We look forward to Aubrey coming to OPSU and immediately contributing to our program,” said Lyles. “We are excited about the influx of Texas football players like Oswalt deciding to be Aggies in Oklahoma. His decision to enroll earlyhas our staff very excited. He has a great deal of talent, and we are looking forward to honing the skills he has picked up during his years of experience into something special.”

The Aggies open their 2012 football schedule on Sept. 1st against the Missouri University S&T Miners, a Great Lakes Valley Conference member in Rolla, Missouri.

Copyright 2012 by the Sports Marketing Experts