Cleveland Heights - University Heights City School District

February 1 was a monumental day in Kyle Dodson’s life.  It was National Signing Day, when elite high school football players sign letters of commitment to their chosen colleges and universities.

Surrounded by television, radio, and print reporters, the nationally ranked offensive lineman summoned all of his teammates to join him in front of the media in the Heights High auditorium. He wanted their company as he announced the name of the school he would be playing for in the fall.

Upon his proud announcement that he would be suiting up as a member of The Ohio State University Buckeyes this fall, his teammates and the entire auditorium burst into loud, enthusiastic, and sustained cheers.

Heights High’s stellar offensive tackle and team captain, Dodson was recruited by several Division One schools and has decided to play for The Ohio State University. His leadership skills were again apparent when he invited his team to help him announce his decision.  One of the reasons Kyle chose OSU was so he could stay close to his grandparents.

Fox Sports Ohio streamed the event live on its website, getting more than 21,000 hits. It was their most-viewed live streaming event to date, with almost three times the number of hits as the previous leading events.

While that announcement garnered the most attention, Heights High had a lot more celebrating to do. Eight Cleveland Heights High School football players and one lacrosse player signed letters of intent on Wednesday, February 1, at 12:15 p.m. in the Cleveland Heights High School auditorium. 

Presentations were made by Athletic Director Kristin Hughes, Head Football Coach Jeff Rotsky, and Girls Head Lacrosse Coach Terry Saylor.

The following students signed also letters of intent:

Meg Lentz, Lacrosse, Stanford University
Meg ranked #1 in the Midwest region, was team co-captain and, according to her coach Terry Saylor, “has an amazing ability to compete.” She was recruited by most of the strong lacrosse programs in the country.

 

 

Bryce Jones, Football, Boston College
Bryce, the Tiger’s quarterback, is headed for Boston College. “Bryce is an excellent student athlete, a very special young man,” said Coach Jeff Rotsky.  Bryce recognized his village of support when announcing his college. “We will be attending Boston College,” he said, noting that he’ll be taking the influence and love of many with him. Cleveland Heights Mayor Ed Kelley, family members, coaches, teachers, and administrators were among his village of support.

 

Denzel Pillars, Football, Marian University
Denzel, an offensive guard and defensive end, is “the ultimate warrior, playing even when he is in pain,” Coach Rotsky said.

 

 

Ricky Wilcox, Football, Marian University
Ricky, a linebacker, overcame injures to reach his goal of attending and playing in college. “Ricky is a solid character young man,” said head CHHS football coach Jeff Rotsky.

 

 

Dionte Saffo, Football, Marian University
Dionte, who played running back and linebacker, special mention All-LEL, also runs track. “His maturity and speed help him succeed,” Coach Rotsky noted.

 

 

Terrence Bailey, Football, Marian University
Terrence, a slot receiver, team captain, and All-LEL 1^st team, is “a wonderful route runner with the best hands on the team,” according to Coach Rotsky.

 

 

Markus Hawkins, Football, Ohio Dominican University
Markus was All-LEL 1^st team, center defensive end, the mental leader of the offensive line, and very physical. Principal James Reed said, “Markus is a top -notch guy.”

 

 

Philip Moreland, Football, Seton Hill University
Philip played strong safety and special teams and will be a new member on the Seton Hill University team. “This young man is very smart and aggressive on the field,” said Coach Rotsky.

 

 

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