BRODHEAD - Senior Ethan Douglas flourished during his four years playing running back and linebacker for the Cardinals. This coming fall, Douglas will be strapping on the pads for Upper Iowa University. Douglas signed his National Letter of Intent Tuesday at Brodhead High School.
"It's fun to finally get it over with," Douglas said of signing. "All of the coaches were calling me. I'm excited to get over there and get started."
Over the past three seasons, Douglas has helped the Cardinals to a 28-9 record. In the last two seasons, Douglas has accumulated over 2,000 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns as Brodhead-Juda's feature back. In college, however, Douglas plans to be a linebacker for the Peacocks.
"The coaches talked to me about it. I could play linebacker earlier than I would as a running back," Douglas said. He went on to add that he chose Upper Iowa because it is closer to home, he got a good offer and a chance to play right away.
Brodhead-Juda head coach Jim Matthys has seen several former Cardinals go on to play sports in college and said Douglas is as deserving as anyone.
"He definitely deserves it. He's worked hard. I know, knowing him, that this is probably the beginning of his football career," Matthys said. "(Upper Iowa) got a good football player and a good person. There's no question, academically and athletically, he's going to do fine."
Matthys also was pleased with how well Douglas represented the Cardinals in his time in the program.
"Most of the athletes that we have had go on are not only good at academics, but they work hard and they are good kids. That's what the recruiters are looking for - someone that's reliable," Matthys said.
Douglas knows the leadership he displayed in high school will leave a mark on the program, something he is proud of.
"I think there are some underclassmen that could definitely play college football. If the look at what a couple of other guys have done, they can work hard too and definitely achieve it," Douglas said. "You have to work your butt off in the summer to have success and get far in the playoffs."
"It's fun to finally get it over with," Douglas said of signing. "All of the coaches were calling me. I'm excited to get over there and get started."
Over the past three seasons, Douglas has helped the Cardinals to a 28-9 record. In the last two seasons, Douglas has accumulated over 2,000 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns as Brodhead-Juda's feature back. In college, however, Douglas plans to be a linebacker for the Peacocks.
"The coaches talked to me about it. I could play linebacker earlier than I would as a running back," Douglas said. He went on to add that he chose Upper Iowa because it is closer to home, he got a good offer and a chance to play right away.
Brodhead-Juda head coach Jim Matthys has seen several former Cardinals go on to play sports in college and said Douglas is as deserving as anyone.
"He definitely deserves it. He's worked hard. I know, knowing him, that this is probably the beginning of his football career," Matthys said. "(Upper Iowa) got a good football player and a good person. There's no question, academically and athletically, he's going to do fine."
Matthys also was pleased with how well Douglas represented the Cardinals in his time in the program.
"Most of the athletes that we have had go on are not only good at academics, but they work hard and they are good kids. That's what the recruiters are looking for - someone that's reliable," Matthys said.
Douglas knows the leadership he displayed in high school will leave a mark on the program, something he is proud of.
"I think there are some underclassmen that could definitely play college football. If the look at what a couple of other guys have done, they can work hard too and definitely achieve it," Douglas said. "You have to work your butt off in the summer to have success and get far in the playoffs."
