On Tuesday, May 16, 2017, Upper Dublin seniors Michael Cottom, Jalen Heim, Zhaire Lee and Philip Butler were recognized for committing to continue their football careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/g/051617_signings_-_mjs
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“As a bunch, this group leaves with a 34-5 record, which equals that of the 2015 seniors that left last year,” coach Bret Stover said. “It was probably the greatest era of Upper Dublin football, and these guys were a significant part of what happened in 2015 with a Suburban One and District One championship and then carrying the tradition with winning the 2016 Suburban One American Conference championship. They have really set their bar high for all the Upper Dublin classes that will come after them.”
Philip Butler – Dickinson College (Football)
Major: Policy
Final list of colleges: Dickinson, Carnegie Mellon, Kutztown, Temple
Reasons for choosing Dickinson: “Best opportunity financially, great academics, and the potential to play right away. I’m also going with a best friend of mine, Kyle Mattison.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “I have been thinking about it legitimately since the eighth grade. The recruiting process started before junior year. I was invited to camps and visits from D1AA programs. I had a good junior season and gained more interest. However, that interest stopped after an injury in my senior year and I was pursued by D2-D3 schools.”
Coach Bret Stover says: “Philip Butler was our only returning defensive player from the 2015 team. He was one of our team captains. Phil unfortunately had an injury that sidelined him most of his senior season, but he was able to get back for our final playoff game against West Chester Henderson. Phil is one of the hardest workers in the weight room, on and off the field. Phil knew exactly what he wanted to do as far as the recruiting process, and I think he’s a great fit for Dickinson College. It’s going to be fun watching him play defensive back for them over the next couple of years.”
About Phil:
Favorite movie: Dark Knight
Favorite music: Hip Hop/J. Cole
Michael Cottom – Lock Haven University (Football)
Major: Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: Lock Haven, Ursinus, Delaware Valley
Reasons for choosing Lock Haven: “When I went for a visit, it just felt like home.”
What was the progression that led you to playing football at the collegiate level? “I always knew I wanted to play college football, and this season made it a lot easier to decide, having all the schools come here, calling us out of classes and everything.”
Coach Bret Stover says: “Michael Cottom is probably one of the most gifted athletes ever to play at Upper Dublin. What was unfortunate for Mike he was injured during the 2015 season with a bad ankle, but he was able to come back and have a very successful senior season and was recognized by Lock Haven University. He’ll be attending Lock Haven University, and he is an absolute steal for them in the PSAC. I think he’s going to do very well there. He’s one of the nicest kids I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach, and it’s nothing but great things ahead for Mike. As long as he can stay healthy, I think he’s going to have a great career.”
About Michael:
Favorite food: French Toast
Favorite movie: Creed
Favorite music: Rap/Hip Hop
Jalen Heim – Lock Haven University (Football)
Major: Communications
Final list of colleges: Lock Haven, East Stroudsburg, Otterbein University, Delaware Valley
Reasons for choosing Lock Haven: “I liked the school. It was either Lock Haven or Del Val, and (Michael Cottom) chose before I did, so I was like, ‘All right, let’s do it.’”
What was the progression that led you to committing to play football at the collegiate level? “I started thinking about it this year. The grade ahead of us got most of the varsity time last year, and this year I had no idea what I was going to do. Midway through the season, coaches started contacting me, so I just decided I would go through with it.”
Coach Bret Stover says: “Jalen Heim had a breakout senior season for us as a receiver at Upper Dublin. It was great to see him come back to the program. After leaving as a sophomore, he came back for his junior and senior seasons. As a junior, he really paid his dues. This year, he did a really, really nice job at wideout. He was our leading receiver and touchdown scorer from the receiving spot. Lock Haven has got themselves quite a wideout coming to them. I know Jalen’s going to work hard. He’s got great family support, and they’re going to make sure he’s going to work hard. Jalen – at his size and if he continues to fill out – is going to be a tough matchup in the PSAC.”
About Jalen:
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite movie: Fast and Furious Series
Favorite music: Hip Hop/Rap
Zhaire Lee – Lock Haven University (Football)
Major: Art/2D Design
Final list of colleges: Lock Haven, Youngstown State, Cheyney, Shippensburg
Reasons for choosing Lock Haven: “I really wanted to go to Youngstown State. That was number one. They went real far in the playoffs, but then the coach stopped contacting me. They thought the team was doing good, and they didn’t need my position. Cheyney was up there, but I visited Lock Haven the week before I was supposed to go to Shippensburg, and I liked the campus, I liked the coaches, I liked the team. I met some players. Everybody was bonded, and I felt the team chemistry up there, and team chemistry is very important. It’s probably the number one key to success to winning. I felt good vibes up there.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “Last season, my junior year, probably midway through the season, I realized I could play college football. We were winning every game, and I’ve played varsity since sophomore year. I knew I had a chance, I knew I could do it.”
Coach Bret Stover says: “Zhaire Lee was the only returning starter from our 2015 team on the offensive side of the ball. Zhaire was a leader on our offensive line. He came to every game and worked and played hard. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do at the next level. With his size and when he gets in the weight room up at Lock Haven and what they’re going to do to help him succeed at that level, it’s going to be fun to watch.”
About Zhaire:
Favorite food: Pepperoni/Bacon Pizza
Favorite movie: Star Wars Episode 3
Favorite music: Lil Uzi Vert
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