By MIKE ECKERT
TRAVERSE CITY -- Jake Carra is going to be a Laker.
The Traverse City Central senior lineman recently gave a verbal commitment to play football at Grand Valley State University, and will sign his national letter of intent next Wednesday.
"It feels good," Carra said of the decision. "It's a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Now, I can focus on getting ready for next year and enjoying my senior year."
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Carra was an AP Division 1-2 All-State honorable mention this year, as well as a Record-Eagle Dream Team lineman. He has been selected to play in the state's East-West All-Star football game this summer.
"Jake made himself into a very good high school football player," TC Central coach Tom Passinault said. "Now, he's going to step up another level for Grand Valley."
Carra said he narrowed his decision down to Ashland, Hillsdale, Northwood and Grand Valley before committing to the Lakers last Saturday.
"It's the fact that it's a big school, not huge, but their campus is grand," Carra said. "Their coaching staff is great. And, they win a lot."
Grand Valley has four Division II national championships in the last seven years.
"Any time a kid moves on to college football is a moment of pride for a coach and a football program," Passinault said. "Grand Valley is a well respected school that has the academics Jake wanted. And, it's a chance to be a part of a prominent Division II team."
Carra has been accepted to Grand Valley's College of Business, but hasn't decided which field he will study.
As for football, Carra could redshirt next fall, but won't know until he gets into camp this summer and starts competing. For now, he's working on staying in condition.
"I have a weight conditioning class (with Doug Gle) and it's great. I get to use school time to stay in shape," Carra said. "I'm not quite in fall shape, but I had some workouts earlier this month. So for winter, I'm pretty close."
Carra isn't the only area football player looking to sign Wednesday. Here's a look at some of the other players moving on to college football.
-- Gaylord's Jake Dombrowski has been offered a full scholarship at Harvard. The 3.97 student will kick for the Crimson. Blue Devils quarterback Nick Freeman and wide receiver Quinn Woodhouse both have drawn interest from a number of Division II and Division III schools, but haven't committed.
-- Petoskey lineman Ken Provost will attend Franklin and Marshall, a Division III school in Lancaster, Pa.
A 3.93 student, Provost had offers from Ferris State and Northwood, but opted for Franklin and Marshall, one of the top liberal arts schools in the nation. Provost plans a double-major in literature and business.
The 6-2, 280-pound senior played right tackle on Petoskey's offensive line. He's expected to move to guard in college.
Provost's teammate, fullback DJ VanSlembrouck, will probably walk-on at Michigan Tech, according to Petoskey coach Kerry VanOrman.
-- Cadillac offensive tackle Zach Pant is considering an offer from Northwood, along with potential walk-on opportunities at Central Michigan and Michigan State. The 6-6, 285-pound Pant was the Vikings top offensive lineman the last three years.
-- Elk Rapids tight end Charlie Hoch intends to walk-on at Central Michigan.
-- Boyne City's Trever Kruzel is looking at Saginaw Valley State University or Northern Michigan, but hasn't locked in at either school. His brother Tyler just walked on at Northern while SVSU is looking for a fullback.
