Photo on left: West Jessamine's Sean Donaldson signed with Pikeville on Monday. He is pictured above with, from left, Pikeville offensive coordinator Al Holland; his mother Cindy; and West coach Graham Heasley. Photo on right: West's Will Knight also signed with Pikeville. He is pictured with his parents, Billy and Paula (seated); Holland; and Heasley. (Photos by Jonathan Stark/jstark@jessaminejournal.com / February 6, 2012) |
Sean Donaldson made his college choice official on Monday. The West Jessamine senior signed a national letter of intent to play football at the University of Pikeville.
Donaldson was a jack of all trades for the West football team this past season. He lined up at wide receiver, defensive lineman, linebacker, and even punted the ball on several occasions.
Next year at Pikeville, he will find a home at outside linebacker.
“This is overwhelming. I’m excited that I could have my mom (Cindy) up here to watch me sign, and I’m just thankful for everything that’s happened to me during the last four years,” Donaldson said. “It’s really emotional.”
Donaldson likes the idea of being close to home but still being far enough away to be on his own a little bit.
“(I’m excited) to have the chance to play at the next level,” Donaldson said. “I just had to push myself each and every day to get better.”
The highly athletic Donaldson battled back from a few injuries during football season and played basketball at West up until his senior year. He recorded 32 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, a sack and three interceptions his senior. He returned two of his picks for touchdowns.
He is undecided on a major and will be joining West teammate Will Knight on the Pikeville squad.
Pikeville is currently a private college in Pikeville and has an enrollment of more than 1,800 students.
The Bears compete at the NAIA level in the Mid-South Conference and went 5-6 in 2011.
Will Knight
Will Knight signed a national letter of intent on Monday with the University of Pikeville. The West Jessamine senior will play safety for the Bears next season.
“I’m just really excited. A lot of people didn’t think I would go anywhere after I got hurt ... But it doesn’t really matter what people think; I did it on my own and worked hard for it,” Knight said. “I fit in real well with the scheme of the defense; it feels like it would a good fit for me.”
He played wide receiver, cornerback and safety for the Colts. Knight’s senior season at West was cut short by a knee injury.
“It’s been hard to stay motivated, but it’s been easier because this is what I’ve always wanted to do — play college football,” Knight said. “... I knew (today) was going to come; I just didn’t know where I’d be going.”
Knight had 10 tackles and nine assisted tackles his senior year. He also returned two punts for 90 total yards and a touchdown.
Knight is looking forward to getting back on the football field for the first time in several months. He is considering secondary education as a field of study with a minor in nutrition.
Donaldson and Knight were both part of West Jessamine’s first playoff win in school history during the 2009 season when the team went 9-3 overall. During their junior year, West went 8-4 with another playoff win. This past season, the Colts went 1-9.
