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Williamstown’s Neely signs with West Liberty

Williamstown’s Blake Neely signed a National Letter of Intent to play college football at West Liberty Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Neal Smith

WILLIAMSTOWN — There are a lot of factors involved in picking out the right college to attend.

Whichever school you choose most likely will be your home for the next four years, so you have to make sure you are comfortable in your decision.

Blake Neely was sure West Liberty was the school for him as he signed his National Letter of Intent on National Signing Day among friends, family and coaches Wednesday.

“There was a lot of general interest both ways,” said Neely. “I went up there last week and really liked the feeling up there and all the players. I looked at other colleges like West Virginia Wesleyan and Shepherd but in my heart I think West Lib was my first choice.”

The Hilltoppers showed their intrigue right after the Yellowjacket completed his junior season.

West Lib head coach Roger Waialae made the trip from West Liberty to introduce himself and make his intent known to Neely.

“He told me he was going to keep an eye on me and watch me play this upcoming year,” said Neely.

The senior was glad he did.

Neely excelled on both sides of the football (offensive and defensive line) and was named to the Class A First Team All-State squad at O-lineman, as well as the All-Little Kanawha Conference First Team.

Neely also brings a championship pedigree with him as he played on the Yellowjackets’ 2014 state title squad.

He isn’t sure what side of the ball he will play on, but noted he is willing to play anywhere his services are needed.

“He (Neely) is a good player because he works at it,” said Williamstown head coach Terry Smith. “It isn’t going to matter where he ends up playing because he is so smart and it is pretty hard to fool him.”

Neely joins a very young, rebuilding team coming off a 3-8 season.

“It will be nice to be there and grow with my teammates and help the program turn around,” he said.

His growing pains will come along with some familiar faces. Williamstown graduate Trevor Hooiser just finished his freshman year and is who Neely will be rooming with this upcoming year.

There are 19 other West Virginia natives on the team as well.

“It definitely helped knowing a bunch of people up there,” said Neely.

As far as his studies are concerned, Neely is undecided on his major, but that doesn’t worry Smith in the slightest.

“He works hard in the classroom,” said Smith. “You take football out of the equation and his is going to be successful anyway.”

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