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Poland’s Gannon Hulea will sign with Penguins
Poland Vs. Canfield
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FISTFUL OF 4: Fitch running back Sylvestry Gibbs (4) tries to break free from the grasp of East defenders Michael Thomas (12) as Eric Taylor (59) gives chase during Friday's game at Fitch High Stadium. The Falcons won 49-12.
By Joe Scalzo
He started at quarterback and defensive back for the Bulldogs.
POLAND — Poland senior Gannon Hulea is going from one tradition-laden program to another.
Hulea verbally committed to YSU on Sunday, giving the Penguins their sixth area recruit this year’s class.
“I love the tradition of YSU and with me growing up watching them play, I really always wanted to be a part of it,” he said. “Now it’s time to win some championships.”
Hulea (6-3, 205) was a two-way starter at defensive back and quarterback for the Bulldogs, helping them to a 8-3 record, a share of the All-American Conference Red Tier title and a playoff berth.
The three-year starter threw for 1,100 yards and seven TDs and rushed for 250 yards and two TDs.
Hulea, who is being recruited as an athlete, was a first team all-league and all-district quarterback. He was special mention All-Ohio. He could play safety, outside linebacker or H-back. It’s unlikely he will play quarterback.
“Wherever they put me, that’s fine,” he said. “With Division I, you know the competition is going to be a lot better and it’s going to be tougher to get on the field, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
YSU’s other area recruits so far are Fitch defensive back Sylvestry Gibbs, Girard RB/DB Kyle Stadelmyer, Niles kicker Nick Liste, Wilmington WR/LB Carson Sharbaugh and former Mooney DL/LB Taylor Hill, who transferred from the University of Michigan and is already enrolled.
Hulea, who also considered Malone, Walsh and Lake Erie, plans to major in engineering.
“That was a huge part of my decision,” he said. “They have a really good engineering program.”
Hulea’s father, Paul, was formerly the head coach at Poland and now coaches the offensive line. Gannon said he is glad his family will still have the chance to watch him play.
“He’s excited about it and so are we and YSU seems excited about it,” said Paul. “Those are important things.”