Signing Day Eve: Kansas College Makes Recruiting Waves In NM

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seems every year a small, out-of-state school, usually one from the Division III or NAIA ranks, emerges on the recruiting scene in New Mexico.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A couple of years ago, McPherson College was that school. Before them, it was Hiram College in Ohio, among others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This recruiting cycle, Sterling College, a private evangelical Christian liberal arts institution located about 75 miles northwest of Wichita squarely in the middle of Kansas, is that school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Why Sterling? Having a robust connection to the Land of Enchantment always helps, and that's what Sterling has with Linebackers Coach and Co-Special Teams Coordinator Tarik Embrack, formerly the head coach at Tucumcari and assistant at NMHU, Mescalero Apache and West Las Vegas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Embrack played for and graduated from New Mexico Highlands in 2019. He joined the Sterling staff last summer following one year (2024) at JUCO Independence College in Kansas. He was the head coach at Tucumcari in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sterling finished 1-10 in 2025 but Embrack said the Knights relied on numerous true freshmen (13 of the 22 starters) who joined the program last summer. Sterling competes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC). &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We're definitely trying to build something,” Embrack told Prep Redzone New Mexico. "We took our lumps this year going against some of these better programs. It was tough. But we're building for the future.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Embrack is responsible for recruiting New Mexico and has offered about 50 prospects from the state. A few have taken visits to the Sterling College campus, including a pair of players he coached at Tucumcari.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“For me, it was natural to continue recruiting New Mexico after I joined Sterling,” Embrack said. “When I was at Independence, I recruited some of the kids that ended up going to UNM. I met with a lot of coaches there. When I got to Sterling, everything just rolled over. Being in New Mexico is something I'm familiar with. I was there for about eight years. I know where the good coaches, good programs and good players deserving of opportunities are.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While big school athletes will always catch his attention, Embrack has focused his recruiting efforts in New Mexico on the Class 3A and 2A ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“There are so many good players in 3A and 2A and in northeast New Mexico,” Embrack said. “A lot of schools go after the guys from Cleveland, La Cueva, Volcano Vista and schools like that. I knew there would be diamonds in the rough that would fall through the cracks. When I first got the job at Sterling, I wanted to go after New Mexico guys from similar environments who are used to the slower, small town pace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It can be a culture shock for big city kids coming here. I told the head coach about my vision and he gave me the green light. Recruiting New Mexico is my thing. We have the kids in New Mexico. I know what they can do. We're giving them a different option. I like to have players come here for a visit and see the campus and the town for themselves. It's unique.” &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sterling runs a spread offense with a pass-run ratio of 70-30, Embrack said. The Warriors threw the ball 50 times in one game this past season. However, Embrack added the pass-run ratio could move closer to a 50-50 balance if Sterling is able to recruit some running backs. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the 2027 class, Sterling College will hold its annual Junior Day on April 17.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RECRUITING TIDBITS</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-- Cleveland DE/OLB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230420' first='Elijah' last='Richards']</strong>, who recently decommitted from the New Mexico Lobos, announced his commitment to FCS North Alabama earlier today. UNA is located in Florence, AL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-- Goddard OL/DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716167' first='Desmond' last='Sicre']</strong> committed to Western New Mexico on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-- Cibola DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267176' first='Jalil' last='Dixon']</strong> committed to Western New Mexico on Monday following his official visit to the school in Silver City this past weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-- Cleveland's National Signing Day ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the main gym at CHS. At least five Storm players are expected to sign letters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-- Mayfield OL <strong>Mickey Arrowood</strong> has 13 offers. His latest offers came Monday from Hartnell College and Clarke University. Sunday, North Dakota State College of Science offered. His teammate, OL <strong>Steve Arellin Jr.</strong> announced on social media he will sign Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Main Gym Lobby at Mayfield High. Arellin has not announced his college destination.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-- 2028 Texico DE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1827269' first='Dexter' last='Chapman']</strong> took an unofficial visit to Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-- Bloomfield LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599958' first='Cole' last='Gosnell']</strong> and Bernalillo OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1752446' first='Warren' last='Cooper']</strong> visited New Mexico Highlands this past weekend. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the premier athletic facilities in the NAIA😤<br><br>COMMIT TO SC⚔️⬆️<br><br>🙏🏽🤙🏽 <a href="https://t.co/WE32uugKKK">pic.twitter.com/WE32uugKKK</a></p>&mdash; Nate Butts (@nbuttscoach) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbuttscoach/status/2011946579054231571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Calling the Class of 2027 🗣️<br>Junior Day • April 17<br>Interested in becoming a Warrior? Reach out to a coach to get started.<br>⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwordsUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SwordsUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnleashTheWarrior?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnleashTheWarrior</a> <a href="https://t.co/3WZNqoAKv3">pic.twitter.com/3WZNqoAKv3</a></p>&mdash; Sterling College Football (@SCWarriorFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/SCWarriorFB/status/2014732141716738422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you so much <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachWalser?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachWalser</a> for the invite! Also I thank you all the coaches who were so helpful in teaching how Wayland Football is <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach68Hinojos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach68Hinojos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DavianGuajardo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavianGuajardo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WBU_Bradford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WBU_Bradford</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AultonL15836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AultonL15836</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach8Escobar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach8Escobar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Herrera3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Herrera3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GilbreathBob?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GilbreathBob</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBDavis17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBDavis17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/QwSyQqwFoC">pic.twitter.com/QwSyQqwFoC</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1827269' first='Dexter' last='Chapman'] (@Dexter99Chapman) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dexter99Chapman/status/2018519221999747536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thankful to everyone who helped me along the way. From family, friends, coaches, and teammates. I&#039;m truly blessed and excited to announce that l&#039;m 100% committed to North Alabama! <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNAFootball</a> 🦁<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJLong_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachJLong_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDearmon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDearmon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_RGarza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_RGarza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Ridenour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Ridenour</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeshawnBrownInc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeshawnBrownInc</a> <a href="https://t.co/CUPK3H1vrv">pic.twitter.com/CUPK3H1vrv</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1230420' first='Elijah' last='Richards'] (@E_Richards22) <a href="https://twitter.com/E_Richards22/status/2018749576887320742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AGTG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AGTG</a> After a great visit at <a href="https://twitter.com/WNMUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WNMUFootball</a> I would like to announce that I am 1000% commited to continue my academic and athletic career , time to open my next chapter <a href="https://twitter.com/gavinlutman18?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gavinlutman18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachD_Delgado?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachD_Delgado</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachManzanares?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachManzanares</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coach_bhickman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coach_bhickman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GoddardRocketFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoddardRocketFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/WYjkoSrypY">pic.twitter.com/WYjkoSrypY</a></p>&mdash; Dez (@DezS2026) <a href="https://twitter.com/DezS2026/status/2017982603035636180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/WNMUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WNMUFootball</a>! All glory to God for opening this door and guiding my journey every step of the way. I'm excited to continue growing both academically and personally as I take this next chapter on with faith and determination. Go Mustangs 🟣⚪️🟡 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/committed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#committed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATGT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/overlyblessed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#overlyblessed</a> <a href="https://t.co/KsMQNXpm4u">pic.twitter.com/KsMQNXpm4u</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1267176' first='Jalil' last='Dixon'] (@Jalil_Dixon_6) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jalil_Dixon_6/status/2018416355616211126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great visit over at NMHU this weekend! <a href="https://t.co/F0L60BsNno">pic.twitter.com/F0L60BsNno</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1599958' first='Cole' last='Gosnell'] (@Col3Gosnel1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Col3Gosnel1/status/2018445182946128088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachTaufaasau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTaufaasau</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachTwelveGage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTwelveGage</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachRRod70?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachRRod70</a> for the hospitality and invite! Loved the campus and the program! <a href="https://twitter.com/NMHUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMHUFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/9GpjcaLm2p">pic.twitter.com/9GpjcaLm2p</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1752446' first='Warren' last='Cooper'] (@wcooper2026) <a href="https://twitter.com/wcooper2026/status/2018039497183629801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->