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2015 West Bladen grad Brandon Council signed a letter of intent Friday to play football this fall for the Akron University Zips.
The signing was the culmination of a lot of hard work for Council, and the decision to attend Jireh Preparatory Academy in Matthews this fall helped to secure the recruiting interest.
“It really worked out well for him,” said West Bladen Football Coach Russell Dove. “He raised his SAT score by 200 points and playing this fall helped him get more interest and recognition. With his size we always knew he was a Division-1 player.”
The biggest recognition comes from online recruiting service Rivals.com which ranks Council No. 17 on their list of top prep school players.
The 6-4, 300-pound lineman saw action at defensive end, nose guard and offensive tackle for Jireh. The Zips plan to use him at offensive tackle or tight end.
Council was also recruited by East Carolina, Virginia Tech, Kentucky and Charlotte.
“They (Akron) flew me up there, and it was a great atmosphere and a great environment,” said Council. “I liked everything about it and getting a full ride to a D-1 school. I am psyched.”
“He will do well there,” said Coach Dove. “He has worked hard. The decision to go to Jireh paid off for him. The other schools wanted to wait until May, while Akron was willing to go ahead and offer.”
Council will start the spring semester at Akron on Jan. 15 and will have four years of eligibility remaining. The Zips are a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and finished 8-5 this past season after beating Utah State in the Idaho Potato Bowl.
“I am really proud of him,” said Angel Jones, Brandon’s mother. “He has worked hard for this –and since he is getting a full ride, I can afford some plane tickets to go see him play.”
At West Bladen Council started on both the offensive and defensive lines and was an All-Four County Conference selection.
“He is a great kid and he is tough,” concluded Coach Dove. “The MAC is a strong conference, and he will see some great competition. I think he will do just fine.”
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