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2/7/07-Football
Six St. Mary's gridders sign letters of intent
By Mike Rosenbaum of The Observer and Eccentric
Six seniors from Orchard Lake St. Mary's signed national letters of intent to play college football Wednesday.
Four players will attend Division I schools. Defensive back Dionte Allen signed with Florida State, wide receiver Taurian Washington picked Ohio State, quarterback Justin Siller chose Purdue and linebacker Alex Delisi signed with Cincinnati.
Defensive end Ricky Thomas and linebacker Blair Hollis both signed with Grand Valley State, the defending Division II national champion.
Washington was the first St. Mary's player to verbally commit to a school, after narrowing his choices to Ohio State and the University of Michigan. Washington made his decision prior to his senior season, after traveling to Columbus.
“I went down to Ohio State and I liked the (coaching) staff and I liked the campus,” Washington said.
Washington will be the second ex-Eaglet in as many years to attend Ohio State. Aaron Gant signed with the Buckeyes last season.
Allen verbally committed to Florida State last summer, but considered changing his mind in recent months. Was he ever close to choosing a different school?
“A little bit,” Allen responded, “but I sat down with my parents and decided that Florida State would be the best spot for me.”
Florida State has been Allen's favorite school for at least a dozen years, which played a key role in his decision. Signing his letter of intent was “very exciting,” he said. “When you're growing up wanting to go to a school, and (the opportunity) is here, all you can really do is take it.”
Siller was the third St. Mary's commitment. He had offers from most of the Big 10 schools and narrowed his choices to Purdue, Northwestern and Ohio State before selecting the Boilermakers.
“I thought it was the right fit for me,” Siller explained. “I really like the coaches a lot. When I went down there, they showed me a really good time. When I went down in the summer I really enjoyed myself, and when I visited again for the official (visit), I knew it was the right place.”
Signing his letter “feels really good,” Siller added. “I've been waiting for this for a long time. I feel good to have this opportunity and I'll try to do the best I can with it.”
Delisi made his decision in December after visiting Cincinnati and meeting new Bearcats' coach Brian Kelly.
“I'm excited,” Delisi said. “I can't wait to get down there and get acclimated to the system, and just go have fun and play football.”
Thomas considered Ball State, Minnesota and Michigan State before settling on Grand Valley, which has won four Division II national championships in the last five years.
“I just felt that Grand Valley was the better fit for me,” Thomas said. “They win national championships every year. Fun school, great school. I just loved it up there when I went. That's how I made my decision.”
Hollis did not sign in the morning with his teammates, but after taking some time to weigh his options, signed his letter of intent later in the day.
St. Mary's head football coach and athletic director George Porritt was pleased with his players' success.
“It's probably as many kids as we've ever had coming out in Division I,” Porritt said, “and you look at Grand Valley, you might as well consider them (as D-I). They're top-notch in Division II.
“But they're outstanding kids and they did a great job for us this year.”
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