John Tyler WR Rodney Bendy. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
John Tyler WR Rodney Bendy. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Northwestern State offered three East Texas players in the 2015 recruiting class on Thursday -- John Tyler quarterback Geovari McCollister and receiver Rodney Bendy and Gilmer athlete Chase Tate.

John Tyler coach Ricklan Holmes confirmed his players' offers via Twitter, as did Gilmer coach Jeff Traylor.

McCollister, who committed to Central Arkansas last week, now has two Division I FCS offers. Bendy, a North Texas pledge, already has two FBS offers -- UNT and ULM. Tate added Northwestern State to the offer he received from Central Arkansas a week ago.

Northwestern State has also offered John Tyler 2015 cornerback Isaac Warren, who committed to Sam Houston State.

The Blue Demons compete in the Southland Conference along with Central Arkansas, Lamar, McNeese State, Nicholls State, Sam Houston State, SE Louisiana and SFA. They went 6-6 overall and 3-4 in conference play a season ago. Northwestern State's 2014 non-conference schedule includes a game at Baylor on Sept. 6 in the Bears' brand-new McLane Stadium.

McCollister (6-3, 200) had a breakout junior season at quarterback for JT. In his first season as the starter, he passed for 2,615 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also led the team with 852 rushing yards and 10 TDs.

Bendy (6-4, 180) was one of McCollister's top targets, finishing 2013 with 28 receptions for 361 yards and four touchdowns.

John Tyler QB Geovari McCollister. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
John Tyler QB Geovari McCollister. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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The Lions' duo is among several key returnees back from last season's district runner-up and bi-district finalist. JT will compete in the new District 16-5A this fall along with Corsicana, Ennis, Jacksonville, Lindale, Lufkin, Nacogdoches and Whitehouse.

Tate (5-5, 150), despite being undersized, was one of Gilmer's most explosive and versatile offensive threats last season. He finished with 39 catches for 603 yards and six touchdowns, averaged 11 yards on 16 rushing attempts with two scores and was 2-of-2 passing -- both for touchdowns.

Gilmer, which finished 11-2 and advanced to the third round of the playoffs in 2013, will compete in District 5-4A Division II this season along with Bullard, Canton, Emory Rains, Melissa and Nevada Community.

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