It’s been a lot of hard work for Patrick McMath and Byron Nelson to get to this point.

The duo has played together for four years, becoming a force on Katy’s offensive line and pushing each other to greater heights. They put in the work to succeed on the field, in practice, in the weight room and beyond. That hard work led to a celebration on Wednesday, as the duo both signed national letters of intent to play football at Power Four Conference schools, putting themselves in positions to continue their football careers and have a scholarship while in college.

“It’s been a lot of hours, a lot of work, a lot of preparation and determination,” Nelson said. “We gave everything, blood, sweat, and tears, but this moment here makes it all worth it. I’m so happy that I get to keep playing the sport I love.”

Nelson will be continuing his academic and football career at the University of North Carolina. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound senior is ranked as the No. 52 interior offensive line recruit in the country. He had plenty of schools to choose from when choosing his collegiate destination, but ultimately, Chapel Hill felt like home to him.

“The people, the environment and the coaching staff were all amazing. Even with the changes coming I know that we are going to be in a great spot and that we are going to be competing for championships in the future. I love everything there. The players are amazing, I was treated so well and I knew it was the spot for me.”

McMath meanwhile will be staying in Texas and playing in the Big 12. The senior, who is ranked as the No. 89 interior offensive lineman in the country signed to play at Texas Tech University, choosing the Red Raiders over the likes of Houston, Arizona, Baylor and BYU. 

“I went on a visit during the spring and the moment I walked on campus I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” McMath said. “The program almost feels like Katy. It’s a big brotherhood and the staff is amazing. They built the relationship with me so fast, it made my decision easy.”

Nelson and McMath are enrolling early and will compete in spring practices, hoping to earn a spot and playing time come fall. But they have a jump start on preparing for those situations. That is what Katy prepares their players for, that is what the program is about and it’s just one of many reasons that the Tigers football program and Gary Joseph are so special.

“This place and Coach Joseph, they teach you hard work, they teach you how to be a man and they teach you how to deal with adversity,” Nelson said. “I don’t think there is a program in the nation that could better prepare you for college football and that’s part of what is so amazing about this place.”

Both will be traveling to their new schools and enrolling in just over a month. While they won’t be able to enjoy a high school spring semester, they both are extremely excited and they can’t wait to get going as they push to have success on the collegiate level and beyond.

“I can’t wait to get up there, get in that environment and get to work with all the guys,” McMath said. “I’m excited about this next step, Tech is going to get the hardest worker they’ve ever had and I just can’t wait to be a part of the program.”