By Chris McCarthy
Publisher/Editor
The total number of Gadsden City High seniors who will play football at the next level recently rose to 10.
GCHS senior Jer’Michael Isom signed with Lake Erie (Ohio) College on Wednesday (Apr. 19) at the school library.
A three-year starter at cornerback, Isom last season finished with 44 tackles, three forced fumbles, five pass break-ups and one interception as the Titans won six straight games and make it to the state semifinal round following a 1-5 start.
“It’s very exciting, and I’ve been waiting for this all my life,” said Isom. “It’s been a dream of mine for a while. I visited the [Lake Erie] campus, and it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be.”
Isom believes he is well prepared for the next level to football due to the top-notch competition Gadsden City faced week in and week out.
“Playing against D-I players, not only in games but at practice with [GCHS] players, you’re going up against four-star recruits, and that can only make you better.”
In Isom’s three seasons in the GCHS defensive backfield, the Titans went 22-14 and twice made it to the Class 7A state semifinals.
“Discipline-wise, I don’t think we ever had to get onto Jer’Michael,” said GCHS defensive coordinator Ali Smith. “In all my years as coaching, he’s one of the most special kids I’ve had. I’m very proud of him for what he’s accomplished. He’s proven that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Located in Painesville, Ohio, Lake Erie competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“I knew that this day would come at some point,” said Matt Scott, who resigned as GCHS head football coach last month. “Jer’Michael is a great competitor who was one of the strongest and fastest players we’ve had. He’s a great cornerback but he’s also a phenomenal athlete who can play anywhere on the field. He also has a high football IQ and really understands the game. He was a great leader for us and was a guy you could depend on every day.”