Brandon Atwell signs to play football at Ohio University

By JIM CUNNINGHAM/Staff

Brandon Atwell, a senior at George Wythe High School, signed a scholarship to play football at Ohio University, during ceremonies held Wednesday morning at GWHS.
Atwell has been a receiver and defensive back for his first two years on the varsity but was moved to running back (along with defensive back) his senior year when H.S. Ingo took over the head coaching duties and went to a different offense.
He was confident that Atwell could handle the change in offensive position well. “He made it easily. I knew he could be a running back. He made the transition well. He’s an athlete.”
While Atwell set reception records during his junior season, he also set records for running during his senior year. In all, he broke seven school records. This past season, he rushed for 1,430 years and scored 21 touchdowns. He also made 21 receptions for 341 yards. He was named the district’s co-offensive Player of the Year and also was chosen to the all-state first team as a running back.
Coach Ingo said Atwell will do well at Ohio. Atwell is the first GWHS player in several years to sign a full scholarship to a Division 1 school. In addition to football, Atwell also excelled on the GW soccer team.
“He’s a fine young man,” continued Ingo. “He has a 3.7 G.P.A. and is a tremendous student. He’s the epitome of a student-athlete.”
Atwell’s eighth grade football coach, Kenny Sayers, agreed with Ingo. “He’s the perfect role model. You can ask any teacher or principal, they’ve not had a problem one with him. He’s one of the best young men I’ve ever seen.”
Atwell said he was “excited about getting the chance” to play at the Division 1 level. He anticipates being used as a receiver at Ohio. The coaches at Ohio indicate that he might be red-shirted (sit out) his freshman year.
Atwell said that he really didn’t begin to think a lot about his college plans until he began receiving letters from colleges during his junior season. “I realized I had a chance to play (at that level) if I worked hard.”