St. Edward football has another repeat with 13 players honored on National Signing Day 2016

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LAKEWOOD, Ohio – St. Edward's football team repeated as Division I state champion in December. On Wednesday, it did something equally as impressive by celebrating 13 college football recruits for the second straight year on National Signing Day.

The football players joined 17 other St. Edward athletes in a ceremony at the school.

Last year, 12 of the Eagles’ 13 football signees went to Division I colleges. This year, the Division I haul is seven.

“It means we’ve got to replace a lot of good players,” said coach Tom Lombardo with a laugh. “For the kids to get a chance to go on to schools and continue their career, that’s really why they play the game.”

The Eagles' Class of 2016 left their mark on the program, and not just with the state title. Indiana recruit Cole Gest became the school's all-time rushing leader, Gannon recruit Jimmy Keefe tied the Division I record for passing yards in a state final and Michael O'Malley, a Duquesne recruit, was the Division I All-Ohio Defensive Player of the Year.

Also signing Wednesday were Carl Jones (Syracuse), Tony Butler (Nebraska), Matt Gonzalez (Robert Morris), Delmar Hall (Mount Union), Nik Pelligrino (Notre Dame College), Max Potokar (Robert Morris), Roberto Roena (Albany), Cal Reynolds (Gannon), David Pillets (Walsh) and Noah Waddell (Duke).

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