Four Trinity Catholic football players sign on to play college ball
From left, Jaydon Hodge, Elijah Russell, Cole Gonzales and Marquis Jones celebrate as Trinity Catholic High School football players signed their letters of intent to play at Division 1 schools around the country at the Ocala, Florida high school on Wednesday February 2, 2022. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]
From left, Jaydon Hodge, Elijah Russell, Cole Gonzales and Marquis Jones celebrate as Trinity Catholic High School football players signed their letters of intent to play at Division 1 schools around the country at the Ocala, Florida high school on Wednesday February 2, 2022. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]
Quarterback/punter Cole Gonzales, safety Jaydon Hodge, linebacker/running back Marquise Jones, and defensive end Elijah Russell will embark on their college football experience next season.
The quartet played a huge part in the Celtics 2021 playoff run.
Cole Gonzales signed with Wester Carolina University. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]
Quarterback/Punter
Signed letter of intent to play for Western Carolina University
Gonzales was a standout for the Celtics both passing, rushing and on special teams in 2021. During the 2021 season, Gonzales passed for 734 yards and seven touchdowns, while rushing for an additional 656 yards and six scores.
As a punter, Gonzales averaged 37 yards per kick while punting the opposition inside their own 20-yard line twelve times.
Trinity Catholic head coach John Brantley was extremely complimentary of Gonzales and his contributions to the team.
“Cole was the heart and soul of our football team and is heading to Cullowhee, North Carolina to play for former Trinity Catholic head coach Kerwin Bell,” Brantley shared.
Jaydon Hodge signed with the University of Pennsylvania. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]
Safety
Signed letter of intent to play for the University of Pennsylvania
Hodge roamed the defensive secondary for the Celtics in 2021, recording 25 solo tackles and 37 total tackles on the season.
Hodge anchored a defense that allowed only 12 points per game.
Brantley shared high praise for Hodge as a leader and perfect fit for Penn.
“Perfect for the Ivy League, smart and loves the game of football,” Brantley said.
“Jaydon will be the mayor of Ocala one day,” Brantley added.
Marquis Jones signed with University of New Mexico. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]
Running back/Linebacker
Signed letter of intent to play for the University of New Mexico
Jones played both ways during the 2021 season, running the ball and anchoring the linebacker corp.
As a running back, Jones rushed for 248 yards and nine touchdowns for the Celtics.
Jones’ impact may have been felt most on the defensive side of the ball, as the linebacker tallied 66 total tackles on the season with 12 tackles for loss.
Brantley praised Jones for his competitive spirit.
“Marquise was a four year player for Trinity Catholic and competed at a high level every time he walked on the field,” Brantley said.
Elijah Russel signed with Marshall University. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]
Defensive end
Signed letter of intent to play for Marshall University
Opposing teams tended to run the other way when Russell lined up at defensive end during the 2021 season.
Russell was a brick wall on the defensive side of the ball, recording 42 total tackles during the season with 14 tackles for loss.
Sacking the quarterback was a specialty for Russell, as he logged 13.5 sacks for the Celtics defense last season.
Russell also recovered three fumbles and blocked a field goal for Trinity Catholic in 2021.
Brantley feels that the sky is the limit for Russell.
“Elijah is a tremendous player with a big upside,” Brantley said. “When he fills out that 6’8” frame, it will be scary!”
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