BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Two Catholic High School state champions will continue their football careers in college. Donovan Cornelius and Christian "CJ" Ozolins signed their letters of intent Wednesday, also known as National Signing Day.
Cornelius is staying close to home and will play for the University at Buffalo, specifically on the offensive line. Cornelius has received many honors such as All-WNY first team, All-Catholic first team, and All-State third team. He's also an All-WNY scholar athlete with a 3.8 grade point average.
"I knew it was going to be a big challenge jumping to Division-I," Cornelius said. "It's attractive in the terms of it's going to be tougher, it's a whole new level, and just to say I'm a D-I football player is something not a lot of people can say."
Ozolins is heading to Mercyhurst University where he'll play linebacker. Ozolins is known for scoring the team's winning two-pint conversion that sealed a state championship. He was selected to the All-State first team, and was a Connolly Cup Finalist. On the field, he led the state in tackles with 145 and also recorded 5.5 sacks and three interceptions.
"They said I have a good opportunity to showcase what I can do," Ozolins said. "I'm gonna go 100%, give it my all, and see what happens."
