by Jacob Bogage ’12

Seniors Jamal Merritt, A.J. Pignone, Alex Cole and Tyler Rudy signed letters of intent on Wednesday morning to play Division-I sports in college. Merritt, Pignone and Cole will play football and Rudy will play soccer at the highest level of college sports.

Merritt in his University of New Mexico Lobos hat. Photo by Paul Szewczyk.

Merritt, who committed to the University of New Mexico, was second on the team in rushing yards (261) and rushing touchdowns (six) while also returning kicks and playing defensive back. He notched 39 tackles and two interceptions through eight games. He also received offers from the University of Ohio, Rutgers and East Carolina. Merritt said New Mexico gave him “the best opportunity to get a good education and play as early as possible.”

Pignone started at quarterback for the 10-2 Warriors and committed to Davidson College in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was not as a quarterback, but is still anxious to fully become a Wildcat.

“[Davidson] gave me the best combination of academics and a great college experience, all with the bonus of playing Division-I football,” said Pignone, decked in a Davidson hat and t-shirt coupled with matching sweatpants.

Pignone considered Lafayette University and the Naval Academy before signing with Davidson.

Cole will play his college football at North Carolina Central University. He was a two-year starter at receiver and strong safety for Sherwood and in his senior season was the team’s second leading receiver and defensive stalwart. Cole had two interceptions and 45 tackles while leading a secondary that allowed merely 126 points through 12 games.

From left: Tyler Rudy in his Georgetown garb and A.J. Pignone decked out in Davidson red. Photo by Paul Szewczyk.

Rudy, meanwhile, will stay closest to home by committing to Georgetown University. The 5’9 midfielder captained Sherwood’s 5-10 soccer team while also serving on D.C. United’s 17/18 year-old academy team and was an All-Gazette first teamer his senior year and second teamer his junior year. Rudy spoke highly of the Hoyas and noted Georgetown “is a prestigious school with a great soccer program.”

Notable athletes also committed to play at the next level are senior pitcher Will Bouey (University of Maryland) and senior swimmer Emily Ryczek (Virginia Tech).