Five members of the 2012 George Washington High School football program signed letters of intent Wednesday to play college football. The five have been together most of their lives on a football field and all five were elated to be taking their first step to the next level together.
“It’s been a great experience and something I’ll cherish the rest of my life,” said Ryan Switzer. The two-time Kennedy Award Winner signed to play football at the University of North Carolina. “To be able to do it here with my buddies and sign my letter of intent is an overwhelming feeling.”
Switzer offered a verbal committment to the Tar Heels even before his senior season in a Patriot uniform, but said there were plenty who tried to change his mind.
“I had a lot of schools, Florida State, Tennessee, Kentucky, Standford, a lot of them really pushed hard,” Switzer said. “I did waiver a little bit, but in the end Carolina was the best decision for me.”
Also signing on the dotted line was Dustin Crouser. The four-year starter was a force on offense as a fullback and a one man wrecking crew on defense for the Patriots. He signed to play with UNC-Charlotte. Crouser suffered a season ending knee injury in week eight of the regular season, but the 49ers stood by their offer.
“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” Crouser said. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve never felt more comfortable with a school than Charlotte. They welcomed me in and made me feel at home.”
Patriot receiver and defensive back Jordan Clay signed to play at the Air Force Academy. He admitted it’s a different kind of commitment than what his teammates were making.
“It’s a great opportunity with great academics, great football and it’s a great fit for me,” he said. “The military part will definitely be a challenge, but it will make me a better person and a better man. It will be worth it all in the end.”
Clay said he had a lot of discussions with his brother Cody Clay who plays for WVU about his college plans.
“He wanted me to come up there and walk on and play with him,” laughed Jordan. “But at the end of the day, Air Force was the best fit for me.”
Sam Plantz and Jacob Whitlock feared their playing days may have ended with the loss to Martinsburg in the state semi-finals. Both were elated Wednesday it won’t be their last game. Plantz signed to play at Concord.
“It’s far enough away to go away and have the college experience, but close enough I can come home,” said Plantz. “I’m just really excited.”
Whitlock signed to play at Alderson-Broaddus.
“I really had no idea. I knew I loved the game of football and if it was in the cards for me I’d play again,” said Whitlock. “I wanted to go to a place I really liked, I felt at home, and at the same time I wanted a good academic program. I really liked the programs they have up at Alderson-Broddus and I really liked the coaches.”
All five signed their letters in an assembly at the high school’s gym with the student body looking on and flanked by their parents and extended family.
“It’s a tribute to these kids and this community and everybody involved,” said a proud head coach Steve Edwards Jr. “It was a great class and one I’ve looked forward to coaching for a long time. I have a big personal bond with this class because I have a daughter that age and I’ve known these guys forever. I’m just glad I had the opportunity to coach them and know them.”