Crowley Cornerback Amari Bartee Signs with Lafayette Football

When the deadline for National Signing Day finally arrived, a modest buzz rippled through the small town of Crowley, Texas. In the living room of his parents’ house, a 3‑star safety named Amari Bartee signed his name on a Lafayette Leopards scholarship offer, sealing a new chapter for the lanky 6‑foot defensive back.

Bartee, a senior at Crowley High, spent his final high‑school season tearing through offenses as a hard‑hitting safety and occasional cornerback. He racked up 62 tackles, three interceptions and a sack, earning second‑team All‑District honors while drawing attention from a handful of FCS programs, including Albany, Maine and even a couple of FBS schools that lingered on the periphery.

“Lafayette felt right,” Bartee said in a brief video interview, a grin spreading across his face as he held up the green and white‑trimmed jersey. “The coaches are genuine, the campus vibe is solid and I can picture myself growing both on the field and in the classroom.”

Head coach John Garrett, who has been rebuilding the Leopards’ defense for the past three years, praised Bartee’s work ethic. “He’s got that raw athleticism we love, but more importantly he’s a student of the game. He watches film, asks questions, and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty,” Garrett remarked, emphasizing how Bartee’s size and speed fit the scheme of a hybrid secondary.

Bartee’s commitment also reflects a broader trend of Texas talent heading north to the Patriot League. While the Leopards have traditionally relied on local recruiting, recent classes have featured a mix of Mid‑Atlantic prospects and a sprinkling of out‑of‑state players like Bartee who bring a different flavor to the roster.

Looking ahead, Bartee is eager to compete for playing time right away. “I know I’ll have to earn my snaps,” he admitted, “but I’m ready to put in the grunt work, learn the playbook and help the guys out there.” The senior plans to study criminal justice, a field that aligns with his long‑term goal of becoming a police officer after his football days are done.

For Lafayette, the addition of a versatile defensive back could be the missing piece in a secondary that gave up 28.7 points per game last season. With Bartee’s blend of size, speed and football IQ, the Leopards hope to tighten up the back end and make a deeper run in the Patriot League.

Only time will tell how quickly Bartee adapts to college‑level competition, but for now, the excitement in Crowley is palpable. The town will be watching the Leopards this fall, hoping their hometown hero can help turn the tide for a program eager to climb back into contention.