Photo by Kim North St. Clairsville’s Max Fogle, center, signed his NCAA National Letter of Intent on Wednesday to further his academic and athletic careers at Walsh University in Canton. He is pictured with his mother, Johna, and father, Chris. Fogle To Continue Academic, Football Careers at Walsh University in Canton

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — One of the leaders of St. Clairsville’s rock-solid defense the past three years has made his college commitment.

Max Fogle, an inside linebacker, announced his intentions Wednesday morning by signing his NCAA National Letter of Intent to attend Division II Walsh University in Canton.

“Walsh just showed so much love from the beginning. From early on it was on a consistent basis. They really kept in touch,” Fogle said. “It’s a big relief to finally make this decision.”

Fogle said he had other offers from Valparaiso, Mercyhurst and Ashland. Walsh was a great atmosphere. I fell in love with the campus.”

Despite his primary love of playing linebacker, position-wide it really doesn’t matter where he plays.

“Wherever I fit best. It’s really up to them,” the 6-1, 210-pounder said.

Veteran St. Clairsville head coach Brett McLean couldn’t be any happier for Fogle.

“It’s an absolutely great fit for him.

I’m excited for Max. He’s been in our program for a long time. His older brother played for us,” McLean noted. “He is the epitome of a Red Devil.”

McLean said that (Walsh assistant) Zach Connor, an Indian Creek grad, recruited Fogle.

“He had a lot of different opportunities to look at, but at the end of the day he felt most comfortable with Walsh,” the Red Devils’ mentor said. “They are excited to play him at mike linebacker. I think he will do an outstanding job there.”

Fogle said he will remember everything about playing football at St. Clairsville.

“All very great memories, but going to war with my teammates every day since we were in pewee is something that I will never forget,” he said. “Our senior season didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but you can’t write the book yourself.”

Fogle was a three-year starter for the Red Devils and a four-year letterman. He served as a team captain last fall.

“Besides being one of our leading tacklers, Max also played a huge role in our offensive scheme with yeoman’s work at, not only opening holes for the running backs, but he also had some big runs,” McLean pointed out.

Fogle will major in business accounting.

Walsh is a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference which also includes Ashland, Findlay, Kentucky Wesleyan, Thomas More, Hillsdale, Lake Erie, Cedarville, Malone, Ohio Dominican, Tiffin and Northwood.

The Cavaliers home facility is Larry Staudt Field.

Fogle resides in St. Clairsville with his parents, Chris and Johna Fogle.