Two Bixby Spartan senior standouts – wide receiver Blake Hogshooter and offensive tackle Broderick Shull – realized longtime dreams as both signed national football letters-of-intent Wednesday morning with NCAA Division I Power 5 conference universities.

Hogshooter, a two-year starter for the Spartans, signed with the Houston Cougars of the Big 12 Conference while Shull, who moved to Bixby from Webb City, Missouri prior to his junior year, signed with the Auburn Tigers of the Southeastern Conference.

The signings were witnessed by teammates, coaches, family and friends in Bixby’s spacious, new locker room at the Home of the Spartans. The signings were held in front of an impressive, creative backdrop.

Hogshooter and Shull were all smiles afterward and, while it was an exciting time in their lives, both admitted it was good having the signings behind them so they can concentrate on the immediate task at hand – battling Owasso in the Class 6A-1 state championship game Friday night in Edmond.

Both players are convinced each decision was best for them and both look forward to the next step in their football journey.

“I really liked the coaching staff, everybody on the staff,” the 6-4, 189-pound Hogshooter said of his reason for signing with Houston. “When I went down there, they were really welcoming. They didn’t treat me like just another recruit, they treated me like they wanted me.

“I would say it was around July or August when I really started talking to them. I went down there for a game in late August or September. That’s when I realized I was committing to a D-1 school and would be playing D-1 football.

“That’s always been my dream and a goal of mine and now it’s about to come true. It’s a great opportunity. Now it’s done so I can focus on what we’re doing now,” he said.

Spartan head coach Loren Montgomery said, “I think the first time I noticed Hogshooter being different and making plays was during a game in the ninth grade against Jenks. He kind of took over the game. He’s improved during his time here, he’s still improving.”

Houston went 4-8 and 3-6 in the Big 12 this season with league wins over Texas Christian, Utah and Kansas State. It was the first season under head coach Willie Fritz, who came to Houston after a successful tenure (2016-2022) at Tulane.

His 2022-23 Tulane team finished ranked No. 9 nationally and finished 12-2 after defeating Southern California 46-45 in the Cotton Bowl.

Hogshooter, who features height and outstanding, deceptive speed, paces Bixby’s receiving group this season with 49 catches for 940 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averages 19.2 yards per catch. As a junior, Hogshooter had 19 pass receptions for 404 yards and eight TDs, and he contributed three catches for 31 yards as a sophomore.

“We signed Blake Hogshooter from Oklahoma. His Bixby team is playing for a state championship this week. We’re pleased to sign him. We saw him run 4.4 at a camp last summer which is great speed,” Coach Fritz said at a press conference announcing the signees. “He’ also 6-4, so he’s a tall guy who can move.”

Shull was a welcome addition to the Spartan program when he arrived from Webb City. He started on Bixby’s 13-0 Class 6A-1 state championship team in 2023 and has been a dominant figure in the Spartan line this season.

“There was just a feeling there, it made me feel like home,” the 6-6, 303-pound Shull said of his reason for inking with Auburn. “It was perfect for me. The coaches are perfect, and they fit my personality. The fans are great, they support the team 100 percent, it doesn’t matter if your down in the dumps or not. “It’s a beautiful school and the campus is amazing as is the culture. I love hunting and fishing. The coach who recruited me was also interested in fishing … we connected outside of football. We’re planning on doing something great once I get there. I love Auburn and can’t wait to make Auburn my home. “Now, I can concentrate on winning state and then concentrate on settling into Auburn,” Shull added.

Spartan offensive line coach Corbin Burchett said of Shull, “When he moved here, I knew he was a different human. From the get-go I knew he had the ability to play at the next level. He’s done a lot of refinement and put in a lot of work on things like footwork and hand placement.

“He was good when he got here but he’s also improved since he’s been here. He’s definitely put in the work and time in improving his craft,” Burchett added.

Coach Montgomery said of Shull, “He’s definitely the tallest offensive lineman we’ve started. For a big guy, he’s super athletic.”

Auburn went 5-7 this season with a 2-6 SE C record under second-year head coach Hugh Freeze, who came to Auburn after head coaching stints at Liberty University and Ole Miss. The Tigers’ recruiting class was ranked sixth by 247 Sports.

“I think he may be one of the most underrated in the class. I think he’s going to be pushing for playing time early and we’re really thankful that he stood strong with us. He and his family knew they fit here,” Coach Freeze said of Shull during a signing day press conference.

Both Hogshooter and Shull plan to enroll in their respective colleges in January.