Lindale Football Standouts Sign with NCAA Division II Programs

Cameron Griffin to play for Eastern New Mexico, Jacob Pettway headed to Fort Hays State

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Two Lindale High School football players, Cameron Griffin and Jacob Pettway, signed with NCAA Division II programs on Wednesday. Griffin, an offensive lineman, will play for Eastern New Mexico University, while Pettway, a defensive back, is headed to Fort Hays State University.

Why it matters

The signings highlight the talent and success of the Lindale High School football program, which has produced multiple players who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. This is an important milestone for the student-athletes as they pursue their dreams of playing football beyond high school.

The details

Griffin, who played primarily at center for Lindale, will join Eastern New Mexico and new head coach Art Briles. Pettway, a defensive back, will head to Fort Hays State in Kansas. Both players were standouts for the Lindale Eagles, with Griffin earning District 9-4A Division I Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in 2025.

  • On Wednesday afternoon, the two Lindale High School football players signed their National Letters of Intent.

The players

Cameron Griffin

An offensive lineman who played primarily at center for Lindale High School. He was named the 2025 District 9-4A Division I Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Jacob Pettway

A defensive back for Lindale High School who had 60 tackles over the past two seasons, including 51 as a senior. He also had two interceptions as a junior.

Art Briles

The new head coach at Eastern New Mexico University, where Griffin will be playing.

Patrick Colbert

The offensive line coach at Eastern New Mexico University, who previously coached at Tyler High School.

Chris Cochran

The head football coach at Lindale High School.

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What they’re saying

“A big thing is getting to play with Art Briles. A lot of good things have been said about him. He's a great coach and an even better person. The way he can connect to the players and connect with families, that's the man I want to play with.”

— Cameron Griffin (tylerpaper.com)

“They're getting a nasty but high-character football player. He does things right on and off the field. He's been raised the right way, but when he crosses those lines, he's as nasty as anybody we've ever had come through here. He's very athletic. I'm excited for him and his future. I think they're getting a dang good player.”

— Chris Cochran, Lindale Head Football Coach (tylerpaper.com)

“I just felt like it was a good fit. When I visited there, I really liked the facility and I liked the coaches. I just thought they were a really genuine team. There's a good foundation and a good team there.”

— Jacob Pettway (tylerpaper.com)

“They're getting a long-range DB with a ton of upside. This past year, he went to work and learned a different work ethic. If he can continue to climb and do that, they're getting a guy who's going to really help them in the back end. He's got a football pedigree. They all love ball. His uncle (former Gilmer High School standout Kenneth Pettway) even played in the NFL and at Grambling. He played a key role in probably the best defense we've had since I've been here.”

— Chris Cochran, Lindale Head Football Coach (tylerpaper.com)

What’s next

The two players will begin their collegiate careers at Eastern New Mexico University and Fort Hays State University in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

The signings of Cameron Griffin and Jacob Pettway demonstrate the strength and talent of the Lindale High School football program, which continues to produce student-athletes capable of competing at the NCAA Division II level and beyond.