Panthers’ Driscoll getting his chance to play college football at Wheeling U
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CONNORVILLE -- Ever since he was 5 years old, Justin Driscoll has wanted to play college football.
That dream became a reality last week when the Buckeye Local senior signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Wheeling University during a ceremony at the high school while surrounded by family and friends.
"It just feels like home. You always know what feels like home and what doesn’t," he said of his decision to join the Cardinals program.
Other schools showing interest were West liberty, Wilmington, Capital, Grove City (Pa.), Baldwin-Wallace, Saint Vincent, Charleston and Concord.
The 5-11, 250-pounder is projected as a defensive tackle for Wheeling after playing on both sides of the ball for the Panthers for three seasons.
"I want to thank my father because he's pushed me past limits that I didn’t know were possible," Driscoll said. "I also want to thank my community for all the support they’ve shown me throughout this process. It's great knowing I have so much support from a great community."
Driscoll said he will major in Exercise Science.
While getting the opportunity to play football at the NCAA Division II level is exciting, Driscoll knows there is a lot of work ahead.
"I need to get faster. If I want to play at the next level I’ve got to get faster," he said.
He was a first-team OPSWA Eastern District selection, as well as a member of the Jefferson County All-Star first team; an OVAC All-conference first-teamer; All-Ohio honorable mention; All-Times Leader and Herald-Star/Daily Times All-Area.
"Justin was very valuable for us last season," first-year Buckeye Local head coach Jim Hoover said. "He played both ways on the line and was our leader on the defensive side. Halfway through the year we moved him to fullback and he played very well there.
"If Justin keeps up the work ethic he had for us, the sky is the limit for him."
Driscoll is the son of Brian and Bethann Driscoll. They reside in Dillonvale.
The 2021 season was a year of milestones for Wheeling University as it continued to climb the Mountain East Conference standings, while setting several records along the way. The Cardinals had the best season in program history, finishing with a record of 5-6 and finishing seventh in the conference under head coach Zac Bruney, a former Martins Ferry and Mount Union product.