On Wednesday, Feb. 7, Maddox Waters signed with the University of Central Missouri to play college football as a tight end next year. The UCM is located in Warrensburg, Mo., and has a total student population of 10,530 students, similar to Fort Hays State University’s population.

He has wanted to pursue college football since his sophomore year of high school, and has been working toward the goal since March of 2023. The recruitment process is mostly on Twitter, where you reach out to coaches and send your highlights from the football season, as well as attending many camps and combines over the summer.

After receiving multiple offers from colleges, Waters settled on UCM because he felt a real connection with the coaching staff and the dynamic of the university. “Felt a lot like Beloit,” said Waters.

He is most looking forward to “having a built-in brotherhood with the other football players,” and being able to spend more time with them as well as the coaches.