SEALY, TX – Although not official, the verbal commitment received by BYU from Isaiah Joiner is as good as "guaranteed."  That's the term Joiner used to describe his recent decision to come to BYU after completing his upcoming senior season at Sealy High School in Sealy, TX.  

Joiner is a 5-10, 180 lb. tailback with breakaway speed.  One recruiting source has Joiner's 40-yard dash speed listed at  4.62 seconds, but Joiner claims the clock stops for him much sooner.  He says he has run 4.3 and 4.4 times.  Although hampered during his sophomore year by a back injury --  caused by a late hit that cracked a bone in his back -- Joiner has fully recovered and has attracted interest from various colleges. 

Why has one of the top 10 running backs in football-heavy Texas, who has received interest from Texas A&M, Texas, and Nebraska, committed early to BYU?  The answer is simple.  "I had a feeling about BYU," Joiner stated.  He said the other team's coaches were good, but none were more impressive than BYU's Brian Mitchell.  Mitchell is the Cougar's cornerback coach and handles the recruiting duties in Texas.  "He's a cool guy," Joiner said with a smile.

There were other added helps to Joiner's decision.  Jaron Dabney, a BYU tailback and WAC Freshman of the Year in 1997, shared the backfield with Joiner at Sealy High during the 1996 season -- Dabney as a senior and Joiner as a freshman.  He remains very good friends with Dabney, who encouraged him to choose BYU.  The two are excited to be around each other again and may have a chance to once again share the backfield.  

Joiner, who got married this summer to the girl who has been his sweetheart since elementary school, felt BYU had a good atmosphere for families.  How does Joiner feel he'll fit in at BYU?  "I don't mind that it is a religious school.  I'm not a trouble maker," he said.  "I'm coming to go to school and win football games.  That's all I know about."  And win he has.  Joiner has started the last three years for a team that has won the Texas 3A state championship four straight years from 1994-97.  

The star running back still retains his humility.  Although confident in his abilities on the field, he maintains great respect for people.  This reporter was surprised to have been continually addressed as 'sir' during the interview.  When told that the reporter was not too much older than him, Joiner said, "You've graduated from college and got a job, that demands respect."  

BYU will have a fine addition in Isaiah Joiner, on and off the field, for the 2000 season.

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