Photo Provided Martins Ferry’s Ayden Ludolph has signed with the University of Rio Grande. Front, from left, are his father, Mike; Ayden, and his mother, Shayla. Back row are his brother, Kolson, and sisters Quiliana Ludolph and Kailiyah.

MARTINS FERRY — An integral part on both sides of the football for Martins Ferry last fall, Ayden Ludolph, has made his college decision.

The 5-9, 180-pound quarterback/safety will continue his academic and athletic careers at the University of Rio Grande University in southern Ohio. The RedStorm will be making its inaugural season this fall.

“I think it is a great fit for him. I told him that he is one of the best football players that I’ve ever coached,” Martins Ferry coach Justin Kropka said. “I thought he was very underrated as a safety, but he saved us a million times on both sides of the ball.”

Ludolph passed for 1,984 yards and 19 touchdowns on 92 of 128 accuracy last year. He had just four interceptions. He also ran for 661 yards on 70 carries. He had nine TDs and averaged nearly 10 yards (9.4) per carry.

“Ayden stuck with us when times were bad. He started as a freshman and we went 1-9. In an era where everyone bails when it goes bad, Ayden, Tev’n (Williams) and Alex (Reese) stuck with us,” Kropka praised. “The last two years, Ayden especially, was a big part of what we’ve built here.”

Defensively, Ludolph recorded 72 tackles, picked off five passes, forced two fumbles and recovered one.

“I think he will be able to step right in and play early, no matter where they decide to play him. They recruited him as an athlete because he can do so many things,” Kropka said.

Rio Grande is a member of the NAIA.