Whitehouse’s Hudson Barron and Layne Hooker on National Signing Day. (Brandon Ogden/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse football players Layne Hooker and Hudson Barron both signed with collegiate programs on Wednesday morning inside C.L. Nix Wildcat Arena.

Hooker will play for Ouachita Baptist University, while Barron is going to Southeastern University.

“They’re very similar,” Whitehouse head football coach Kyle Westerberg said. “They have a special place in my heart. Their sophomore years, they played positions they didn’t end up being. They trusted the process and trusted the coaches. They love the game, they love to work and they’re great leaders. That has allowed them to be in this position.”

As sophomores, Hooker was a safety, while Barron was a defensive end.

Hooker, a wide receiver, is headed to Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

“I like the coaching staff and the facilities,” Hooker said. “It’s a nice place. It’s a small campus, but it feels like home. All of the coaches, they treat you amazing. Everything is great there.

“I’m really pumped for it. It’s a big dream. I’ve been around football since I was a little kid since my dad is a coach. I’m really happy for this moment.”

Hooker had 33 catches for 581 yards and five touchdowns this season.

“He’s a coach’s kid that loves to work and knows the game,” Westerberg said.

Hooker said he will either major in criminal justice or sports management.

Barron, a tight end, is headed to Lakeland, Florida.

“I’m a huge fan of the Sunshine State,” Barron said. “The football program ranks in the top 20 in the nation (in NAIA). And they also have a really good flight school, and I want to be a pilot, so that really played into my decision.

“It’s a dream come true. Ever since I was playing flag football out at the ROC, I’ve always wanted to play college football. It’s a good feeling.”

Barron, a two-time first-team all-district tight end, made seven catches for 52 yards as a senior.

“They’re getting an awesome leader, a great young man and just a high character kid that loves football,” Westerberg said. “He’s going to go do big things.”

Barron said he will major in aviation.