Three North Marion football players sign letters of intent with MEC schools

Feb. 8—RACHEL — Upholding the tradition of National Signing Day, three North Marion senior football players signed their letters of intent on Wednesday to play on the college gridiron.

Offensive lineman Nathan Miller and linebacker Casey Minor both signed to play for Glenville State University and join North Marion alumni Tariq Miller and Gunner Murphy. Wide receiver Landon Frey signed with West Liberty University.

"I'm so grateful for my time with not only those three but all the kids that have went through here throughout the years," North Marion head football coach Daran Hays said. "So many great memories and so many lives I've changed, and they've changed mine."

Minor played quarterback and linebacker for North Marion. He led the Huskies' offense with his duel-threat air and ground attack and excelled on the defensive side of the ball, winning the Howley Award for best linebacker in the state of West Virginia.

Sticking with linebacker, the position Minor said he was most recruited for, he chose Glenville State for the coaching staff, the location of the university and how they welcomed him during recruitment.

"They always treated me well," Minor said. "I've really felt wanted there, and I love the coaching staff and my position coach. I like the area. Not a lot there, but I think that'll help me stay on the right track and stay on the grind."

Minor plans on majoring in business administration at Glenville State. He hopes to combine his education with his love of electrical work and start his own business as an electrician.

Miller played a key role on North Marion's offensive line. Protecting Minor in the pocket and creating holes for running back Aaron Hoffman to run through, Miller and the o-line created the room the offense needed to get the Huskies to the championship game.

Joining his former quarterback but still teammate, Miller signed with Glenville State for similar reasons such as Minor. Miller listed Glenville State's home environment, coaching staff and a general feeling that it's the right place for him.

Miller made the easy decision to play on the offensive line and not the defense because of the satisfaction that being part of the offense brings.

"I've always been more of an offensive player," Miller said. "I've always liked the offense a lot better. Just the feeling of being able to run the play and the satisfaction of getting that touchdown or the first downs just always been right with me."

Miller plans to major in either sports management or graphic design at Glenville State. He'd like to become a sports agent, but he's also working on his electrical degree at the Marion County Technical Center to become an electrical completer.

Frey played as one of Minor's offensive weapons at North Marion, making a national award-winning catch during the state championship game in December. He also made his mark on defense with nine interceptions his senior season.

Signing with West Liberty, Frey will play as a wide receiver for the Hilltoppers. He landed on West Liberty because he feels welcomed there and thinks it's a good area to be in.

"I felt wanted by the coaches," Frey said. "I love the area up there. It's kind of away like Glenville a little bit, but there's some stuff on the outskirts, so I feel like it's a really good fit."

Frey plans on majoring in business administration at West Liberty. He hopes to become an account manager for an oil field. He cited family connections in the oil industry as to why he wants to work in that industry.

All three players said they will miss playing football together at North Marion High. With a few months left before graduation, they hope to make the most of their time left together.

According to Hays, Frey and Minor made their decisions as recently as the night before signing day. Minor was split between Glenville State and Division I Morehead State where former Fairmont State head coach and North Marion alumnus Jason Woodman is. Frey almost went with Division I Jacksonville State in Alabama to play for North Marion alumnus Rich Rodriguez.

"I think sometimes kids chase that Division I, like that status," Hays said. "[Morehead State and Jacksonville State] have that Division I appeal. I think the right decision was made by [Frey and Minor] because they feel good about it."

Hays also mentioned that, should the players want to, they could transfer to the Division I level at a later date, but time will tell.

For now, expect Minor and Frey to square off on the gridiron and Miller to keep protecting quarterbacks in the Mountain East Conference.

Reach Colin C. Rhodes at 304-367-2548