Football Superstars Make College Decisions

The commencement of National Letter Intent Signings of prospective college football athletes was February 5, and three seniors on the Blake football team have signed and committed to their new homes beginning in Fall 2020.

“I’ve been playing my whole life…this is great,” said wide receiver and cornerback, Cyrus Wilson. Wilson, number three on varsity football, will be attending Sewanee of the South on a full academic scholarship that he won from the Posse Foundation. Wilson described the recruiting process as “enjoyable”. 

Obtaining contacts and exchanging info, Wilson sent his film to the coaches and went on a visit. Now, he is officially committing there. Wilson, being a two year varsity starter, caught 23 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns, snagged three interceptions, and threw 20 passes for 200 yards and one touchdown.

Defensive end and fullback Teddy Tiokeng, number five on the field, will be attending Notre Dame College of Ohio (NDC) on a full athletic scholarship. Leading the team in tackles (75), sacks (11), forced fumbles (7), returning a fumble for a touchdown, and being a 1st Team All-County DE, Tiokeng made plenty of plays on the field. Earlier in his high school career, however, Tiokeng experienced some uncertainty with football.

“I had a lot of doubts. [When] I came in[to] high school, I did not know much about football. I barely played football,” Tiokeng said. “I never really thought I was gonna go to college with it, I just played it for fun. I started getting serious my sophomore year.”

Tiokeng is looking forward to many things at the next level. “Having fun, getting an education, and accomplishing anything I can, just being the best I can be,” Tiokeng said.

Despite playing the sport for only four years, Tiokeng displayed excellence and commitment in the Blake football program, and is ready to take that to Notre Dame College.

Finally, quarterback, wide receiver and kick returner Isaiah Smith is ready to take his talents to Bowie State University. Number one on the field, Smith took on a new position due to the team’s needs of a quarterback this year.  With his versatility and skill set, Smith was able to do it with ease. 

However, regardless of  Smith having over 2,000 offensive yards, 19 touchdowns and leading the football program to multiple victories, he was not given much attention, mainly due to his size. 

“A lot of coaches didn’t really want to take the chance on me because I was small,” said Smith. Nonetheless, coach Richard Reddix of Bowie State University was willing to give Smith a shot. 

“He used to come to most of the games, and he just really liked how I played,” Smith said. “So he told all the other coaches about it, and they just watched film of me.”

After close contact and continued evaluation, the university eventually became Smith’s first offer. But Smith has more goals than just college football.“Just making my mom proud and trying to get to the next level, to provide for my family,” Smith said.

Now ready to make plays on the field for Bulldogs as he did for the Bengals, Isaiah aspires to establish the Smith name.

All in all, great luck to Teddy, Cyrus, and Isaiah! We. Are. Blake!