It has been a long while since a player from the always-tough District 11-5A in Dallas has signed with Texas A&M, but on National Signing Day, the Aggies were able to break that string in a big way. After a tough recruiting battle with both LSU and Texas Tech, Texas A&M signed Dallas Kimball free safety Jarvis Mays.

Considered one of the state’s top defensive backs, Mays brings size, speed, athleticism and an element of intimidation to the A&M secondary.

"Jarvis is a big-time hitter and an excellent tackler," said Kimball head coach Carlton Nelson. "But he also has a great ability to read the quarterback and flow to the ball."

That lethal combination is why Mays should see the field very early in his playing career.

"Jarvis should be able to contribute as soon as he understands A&M’s system, their defensive scheme," said a confident Nelson.

It shouldn’t take long, considering the fact that one of Mays’ biggest strengths is the fact that he is a very instinctive player. Jarvis arrived at Kimball as a sophomore and quickly worked his way up the pecking order. In two seasons as a varsity starter, Mays racked up 180 total tackles, six interceptions, and took one of the picks back for a touchdown.

When Shawn Slocum turned down the North Carolina defensive coordinator position, he knew that there was plenty of young talent in the A&M secondary and a lot of help on the way.

As far as Mays is concerned, he should hit it off right away with the former linebackers coach. Slocum is an aggressive coach who preaches a physical brand of football. Mays will fit right in, as he was one of the most feared hitters in the Dallas area.

At 6-2 and 185 pounds, Mays has the frame to easily add about 25 pounds and keep every bit of his 4.45 speed. If there is one thing that the A&M secondary lacked this season, it was size in the secondary. The addition of Mays, a member of The Dallas Morning News’ National Top 100 list, will go a long way towards addressing that key need. With Terrence Kiel already patrolling the A&M secondary and Mays on the way, opposing receivers, especially those in the suddenly pass-happy Big-12 South, will need to pack plenty of Advil before playing the Aggies.

During his Signing Day press conference, R.C. Slocum gave high praise to Mays.

"Jarvis is a tremendous athlete," Slocum said. "He has size, speed and great range. He closes well and is a very physical player. He’s the type of player who makes things happen."

As is the case with most of this year’s A&M signees, Mays was at his best in the big games. Against Dallas Carter, Jarvis racked up 12 tackles and picked off two of the six passes that the Cowboys attempted, returning one of them for a touchdown.

"He’s just got a good nose for the football," Nelson said. "He flows to the ball really well." Mays played on the weak side at Kimball, but could line up at either strong or free safety in Aggieland.

College football fans and those who follow the recruiting process are always asking for comparisons, and Nelson believes that Mays is the spitting image of former Kimball safety Brandon Ward, who signed with Florida State two years ago.

"He and Brandon are very similar players," Nelson said. "They both played the same position in our defense; they have the same lean body style; and they are both very aggressive hitters. Jarvis could definitely take his talents to the next level."

–Billy Liucci