Standout Mustangs wide receiver Link Rhodes signed with Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas on Feb. 5.
He had seven other Division I offers from Louisiana Tech, Wyoming University, Sacramento State, San Diego State, New Mexico State, U.C. Davis, and Arizona State.
He first verbally committed to Arizona State but changed his mind after talking to the Head coach at SMU.
Rhodes caught the ball 46 times for 607 receiving yards with 5 touchdowns. He also had 271 return yards for a total of 894 all-purpose yards. After the season, he earned first-team all-state from the California Community College Association.
Link praised Delta’s workout program and said the coaches helped him tremendously.
“They helped me by putting me through workouts and situations that I’ll eventually be doing once I transfer to SMU,” he said. “Coach Hyman, Barlow, Orth, Tmac, and Nique helped me day in and day out to develop as a better Leader, Athlete, and better man off the field. They would reach out to Division 1 schools to tell them how good of an athlete I am and how I trust my teammates and coaches.”
Gary Barlow is the Head Coach, Gary Hyman is the Assistant Head Coach, Eric Orth is an assistant coach, Terrance Mcgill is an assistant coach and coach Dominque Harrison helped Rhodes with film.
Rhodes is known for his speed and it stood out to schools because he is 6’2.”
In the spring, Rhodes did track and placed in state having a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and also placed in the 100 meter 7th overall and 1st among Junior College (JUCO) with a 10.59 second time.
He also finished 7th in the 200 meters at 21.71 seconds.
He spoke on why he switched his commitment from Arizona State to SMU and explained the meeting with SMU.
“ASU had everything I was looking for and the culture there was nice so that’s why I verbally committed there but I never gave SMU a chance. So when I went on a visit to SMU they really made me feel welcomed. I sat down with the Offensive Coordinator and Head Coach to watch film and thats when I noticed I had a better opportunity to showcase my talent at SMU,” said Rhodes
Rhodes’ teammates have high praise for him and his presence was important to the team.
In the game against Laney on Nov. 2, Rhodes was injured.It was a close game until the second half he could have helped them.
He returned a kick for a touchdown in the close loss to Sacramento City College on Sept. 14. He also had 5 catches for 101 yards that game.
Rhodes said he is excited to start at SMU and reassures his goals there.
“It feels great to be part of the family at SMU and I expect to get my degree and get developed into a better athlete so I can go play in the NFL.”
Since football has been played there SMU has had 174 players drafted to the NFL across various positions.
The university has a good history of producing talent in the receiver position.
Currently, there are three active SMU receivers in the NFL, and other prospects are gaining interest
TRACK
- Ranked No. 1 for California JUCO’s in 100 Meter with a time of 10.75 seconds
- Ranked No. 7 in 200 meter at 21.72 seconds
- 40-yard dash time 4.38 which is exceptional for someone who is 6’2”
FOOTBALL - Made All Bay 6 Conference and All State First Team
- Had 46 receptions for a total of 607 receiving yards with 271 return yards with a total of 5 touchdowns
- Was a standout player on Special Teams having six tackles
