Cody Fletcher (Courtesy Photo)

When Cody Fletcher entered the redshirt program at Tyler Junior College, he was one of 140 players trying to make the Apaches football team.

He was determined to catch the eye of the coaching staff and earn a spot on the squad. His motivation was fueled by being overlooked by college coaches during his prep days.

After a star-studded career at Henrietta High School, he received some looks by a few Division III squads, but there were no offers.

Fletcher felt he could play at the collegiate level. He just needed a chance.

The MVP of the Red River 22 Small School Team (selected by the Wichita Falls Times Record) and three-year starter for Henrietta, accepted an invitation to the 2016 Childress Rotary Bowl Classic. As fate would have it, TJC coach Danny Palmer was coaching his team.

While Palmer did not recruit Fletcher, the TJC coaching staff did impress the linebacker.

“I really liked the coaching staff and how they handled the players,” the 6-2, 207 pound freshman said. “I decided to go to Tyler and give it a shot.”

Thus, he paid his own way and entered TJC’s redshirt program as a walk-on. He worked out in the fall of 2016 and then was part of spring training.

That’s when the coaching staff took notice.

“There were some 140 kids out there in the redshirt program and Cody worked his way up to the top 40,” Palmer said. “Coach (Thomas) Rocco (defensive coordinator) sees this kid making tackle after tackle against the first-team offense. He told me ‘that Cody Fletcher is a good player.’ We watched how fundamentally sound he was as a tackler and how smart player he was.”

His spring performance earned Fletcher a scholarship and now is in the starting lineup.

Fletcher and the Apaches will get to perform before the home folks against Cisco on Saturday at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Earl Campbell Field.

Fletcher is averaging 9.5 tackles per game. He has forced a fumble and has 3.5 tackles for loss.

He is being noticed on the field now just as he stood out in the redshirt program.

“Basically you show up early each day, go 100 percent at all times,” Fletcher said of the formula to standout among the many players in the redshirt program. “You have to prove you can make a difference.

“When coach Palmer told me I was awarded a scholarship, I was very excited. That was one of my goals. I’m glad I came to Tyler Junior College.”

Fletcher, son of Shannon and Ellis Fletcher of Henrietta, is relishing his time at TJC.

“It is a great feeling playing college football,” said Fletcher, who has two older brothers – Ben, 22, and Conner, 21, a senior baseball player at Tarleton State University. “This is a dream come true. I love playing for this team and coaching staff; it is a good family feeling.”

Fletcher, who had a 25-tackle effort against rival Eastland in high school, knows it will be tough to hold down the Cisco squad, which is coached by former TJC defensive coordinator Russell Thompson, who served six years under Palmer at Tyler.

During his senior season at Henrietta, about 20 miles east of Wichita Falls, Fletcher averaged 20 tackles a game during the Bearcats’ postseason run. He was also on offense, scoring 18 touchdowns.

Now, he concentrates on defense and playing collegiate football.

SMOKE SIGNALS: Palmer said it will be fun facing Thompson. “Myself and our players have the upmost respect for Russell Thompson,” Palmer said. “Our players love coach Thompson. We know one another. It is a great equalizer. It will be a great football game. I just hope we match their energy. Since media day, I said Cisco will be a factor in our conference.” … Another connection between Fletcher and Palmer is that Fletcher’s grandfather, Gary Parrish, was acquainted with former Houston coach John Jenkins. Palmer was on Jenkins’ staff at U of H. … It is also Belle Babes Night, hosted by the internationally famous Apache Belles. The girls, ages 4 to 12, will join the Apache Belles for a halftime routine. Palmer’s granddaughter Brianna, 9, will be one of the Belle Babes again this year. … Thompson’s daughter Rebecca has been a Belle Babe. After Rebecca broke both of her arms at a playground in Cisco, Palmer’s wife, Sharon, who teaches at St. Gregory where Rebecca attended school, rounded up get well notes and cards to send to Rebecca. … After Saturday’s game, the Apaches return to play on Sept. 30 against Blinn in Brenham.

TWITTER: @PhilHicksETFS

IF YOU GO:

The No. 4 Tyler Junior College Apaches (3-0, 1-0) meet the Cisco College Wranglers (2-2, 1-2) in a Southwest Junior College Football Conference game on Saturday at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Earl Campbell Field. Radio: The Team 92.1-FM with Bill Coates and Kevin Simon