Brighton High School Seniors Sign Letters of Intent

seniors Billy Albert and Zach Jolly joined thousands of high school football players across the country Wednesday as they signed letters of intent for National Signing Day.

Albert, No. 80, played tight end and outside linebacker for the Bulldogs. He will attend Hillsdale College in the fall, where he will play football and study either political science or business.

Albert said he chose Hillsdale based on its feel.

"It felt a lot like Brighton," he said. "To me, it felt like home. It was a small-town feel, which I like. It just covered all the areas I was looking for."

Hillsdale coach Keith Otterbein spoke about Albert and two other students who signed on to play there next fall. The Chargers finished 8-3 and won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference last season.

"Billy will play tight end for us," Otterbein said. "He has got the size and speed, which is very attractive. We use multiple tight ends in our offense. He is a very good blocker and a good receiver, so the combination of all of those traits of a good tight end. We’re excited to have him, a hard worker.

"One of those kids — I think both he and Charlie (another recruit from Orchard Lake St. Mary's) have demonstrated a strong desire to be here," Otterbein said. "They have a passion to be here. We are the hardest school in Michigan, based on a Forbes report. A kid has to fight an academic fight and understand that he is answering to some academic rigors."

Jolly, No. 77, played offensive tackle for the Bulldogs and will play at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and study business marketing.

Jolly said he chose the school because he liked its reputation and the coaches.

"It just felt like the right place for me," Jolly said. "It was the overall fit, not just one or two areas."

GVSU coach Matt Mitchell discussed the school’s class of 27 recruits from five states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

"I had a great time getting to know Zach, his family and his dad, Dean," Mitchell said about Jolly. "Big, physically, really tough, likes to grind it in there, really athletic. He can reach, he can run our zone screen, he can pass-protect."

Brighton High School varsity coach Cliff Kiefer is happy to see his players succeed.

"Every year, we have to rebuild, but these guys were special to the team for the last four years," Kiefer said. "They're two great quality young men. We're going to miss them, but I'm happy for both of them. It just goes to show how hard work, determination and work ethic can pay off."