The way Martavius Ryals looks at it, the next step in his football career is the first step to getting where he wants to be.
Tyner's two-time all-state athlete has committed to sign with Independence (Kansas) Community College next Wednesday, this year's traditional national signing day for college football.
The Independence Pirates were featured on the hit Netflix series "Last Chance U" in 2018 and last season finished 8-2, winning the Kansas Jayhawk Conference championship.
"When I got out there, it felt like the best place for me," Ryals said. "It's a small town, so there isn't much to do besides schoolwork and football, and that's what I'm going to concentrate on. I plan to be there for one season and then hopefully see what kind of offers come my way from four-year schools.
Tyner's Martavius Ryals, a two-time all-state athlete in football, has committed to Independence Community College in Kansas. / Staff file photo by Robin Rudd"The first time I heard of them was from watching 'Last Chance U.' I really liked the coaches and my teammates that I met while I was out there. It's a big relief to know what the plan is now, and I'm excited to get out there and get started."
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Ryals was a Mr. Football semifinalist last season and guided the Rams to three straight Region 3-2A titles as their starting quarterback. He threw for 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for more than 400 yards and seven more scores. However, his football future will be on defense as an outside linebacker. He led Tyner last season with 87 tackles (16 for loss) and led the area with 13 sacks.
"This is a great opportunity and a really good fit for Martavius," Tyner coach Wayne Turner said. "When their coaches contacted me they were really impressed with his film, and once they met him they wanted him to be there.
"Once he gets in the weightroom, with his frame and talent, I believe he's going to bloom into a beast and a whole lot of big-name programs wanting him. The sky's the limit for him."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.