University of North Texas Athletics
Green Gang: Flax On, Flax Off, Flax On
8/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Return to Play
By Steven Bartolotta, August 7, 2009, 1:28 p.m.
He made it here after all. Offensive lineman Keenan Flax, who committed to North Texas early in the recruiting process last season before switching to Houston, is now back and has signed with the Mean Green.
Flax, a 6-4 270 pound offensive lineman from Cy Ridge High School in Houston, was heavily recruited and had offers from Iowa State, Missouri, and New Mexico. The offensive lineman is eligible for the upcoming season.
This signing deserves a big thank you to the football gods. The details on why Flax never made it to Houston are a little sketchy depending upon who you believe but whatever the case this isn't just another late pickup that you hope pans out, Flax is a legitimate contender to come in and get some playing time.
As a matter of fact after the situation with Houston fell through, Flax considered another career all-together.
"At first I thought about going to a tech school and get a degree," said Flax. "A few days later I texted Coach Rausch."
After North Texas received his NCAA required release from Houston, it was able to offer him a scholarship.
Flax will also be reunited with former teammate in cornerback Royce Hill, who also hails from Cy Ridge High School.
"Kennan is a guy who was one of our first commitments back in the early part of the season," said Todd Dodge. "Even after he committed to Houston we kept in good contact and never lost sight of the big picture that even if it appears a kid isn't going to sign, you need to keep up a great relationship with him and in our case that was the difference in him coming back to us. We are just ecstatic to have him."
This off-season has been one of ups and downs, but me thinks North Texas is starting to catch a couple of breaks here and there and its luck is starting to change.
I'm as excited as the next guy about this, but make sure to temper your enthusiasm just a bit.
This isn't a game-changer type signee in that it's going to change the direction or have an immediate impact on the season, but it's awfully nice.
Once termed a "kick to the jewels" by one writer when he de-committed, now that Flax is back in the fold he could now possibly be considered the crown jewel in 09' recruiting class for Todd Dodge.
