Clovis' Southard signs with NMMI

Clovis’ Matt Southard will join New Mexico Military Institute’s junior college football program.

Southard signed a national letter of intent with the school Wednesday.

“They said I’d likely play middle linebacker,” said the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Southard, who played defensive end for the Class 5A semifinalists. “It won’t be too much of a transition because in a lot of our packages I played linebacker. It’s where I feel at home.”

Southard is hoping he’ll be joined by Clovis teammate Michael Grooms in the next few weeks.

Other Bronco signings include Alex Hutchins of Tucumcari and Cohen Mangin of Rio Rancho.

NMMI finished 7-3 last season.

Other local players still weighing offers include Seth Bailey of Texico and Richie Chavez of Clovis.