The Ellsworth Community College football team is excited to announce the commitment of ten of its players to continue their athletic and academic careers at four-year institutions.

Solomon Pierce (Perry, IA) will be transferring to Morgan State University. Pierce came to ECC and played defensive end to begin with but made the switch over to offensive line this season and played right tackle for the Panthers. "Making that switch helped me in a big way. I started getting DI looks right away. I have really enjoyed my time at Ellsworth. I've gained a lot of friends and people I consider family," commented Pierce. When asked about how he made his decision he said, "I was trying to find a new home. To find a place where I feel like part of a family." Pierce also had offers from Missouri State, Alabama State, and Jackson State. 

Luke McCall (Zirconia, NC) will be transferring to Illinois State University. McCall selected Illinois State because he knew their team needed someone in his position. In his time at ECC, he has appreciated the work of the coaching staff. "The coaches really helped put my name out to colleges. During games they exploited what I am good at to help me improve." 

Naeem Smith (Iowa City, IA) is transferring to Rice University. Smith was looking for a college that he would feel comfortable at and could go in right away and compete. "I am very grateful for my time at ECC. Now I have two years of college experience at the collegiate level so I feel I am somewhat prepared for what is expected at the next level," commented Smith. "I have also met a lot of great people here. The bond that I have with my teammates is like playing with my brothers." Smith also had offers from the University of Northern Iowa and Old Dominion.

Keonte Schad (Madison, WI) is transferring to University of Minnesota. Schad played defensive tackle for the Panthers and received looks from University of Oklahoma, Tennessee University, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Mississippi State University. When making his final decision Schad was looking for the right fit. "I want to go into a winning program. The coaching staff at Minnesota and their coaching style helped me make the final decision."

Roland Williams (Memphis, TN) is transferring to University of Richmond. When asked how he made his decision he commented, "I was looking for a school that I could see myself at for the next two years." Williams played just one year at ECC at the cornerback position. "My time at ECC has helped make me persistent and to keep moving forward. I've been able to keep a smile on my face in my time at ECC."

Brandon Rolfe (Plano, TX) is transferring to University of Texas at San Antonio. Rolfe played offensive line for the Panthers this season. 

Layne Miller (Rock Valley, IA) is transferring to Briar Cliff University. After visiting several campuses, Miller made his decision. "A major factor for me was the coaching staff. I want to be a teacher and coach so I wanted to find a school that I would be able to Work with the coaching staff and learn from them on how to be a good coach and leader." Miller was also considering Grandview University, Dordt, Southwest Minnesota State and Dakota State.

Sam Gerst (Waterloo, IA) is transferring to University of South Dakota. When asked how he made his decision he said, "I visited USD and really liked the campus and coaching staff. After my visit I knew that's where I wanted to be." Gerst was also considering Grandview University and Winona State University.

Josh Shim (Atlanta, GA) played quarterback for ECC, is still undecided at this point. When asked what he is looking for in his next step in his academic and athletic career he said, "Really a lot of prayer and talking with my family will help me make my decision. I believe that wherever God wants me to go he will lead me and he will open that door." Shim has several schools that he is still considering.

Jeramey Worthen (West Palm Beach, FL) was not present for the photo but will be transferring to University of West Florida at semester.

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Photo Caption: from left to right first row: Solomon Pierce, Luke McCall, Josh Shim, Naeem Smith, Keonte Schad, Rolland Williams, Brandon Rolfe, Layne Miller and Sam Gerst.