Three Jacobs football players make college choices

Three members of Jacobs’ 7-3 football team made their college commitments official Wednesday.

Running back Caz Zyks (5-foot-10, 185 pounds), offensive lineman Maciej Kozlowski (6-5, 295 pounds) and outside linebacker Evan Bishop (6-4, 220) inked their names to National Letters of Intent on National Signing Day.

“I’m very excited for the kids and for their families,” Jacobs coach Bill Mitz said. “It’s great for them to go on and get an opportunity to play and it’s great for our program.”

A Daily Herald All-Area selection also voted team MVP by his teammates, Zyks signed to play for Drake of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA).

A three-year varsity starter, Zyks rushed last season for a single-season school record of 1,225 yards and 13 touchdowns on 148 carries. He was recruited to play cornerback, a position he last played full time as a sophomore.

Zyks visited the Iowa campus in early December and gave his commitment to the non-scholarship program during the visit.

“It’s exciting,” Zyks said after signing Wednesday, “It’s a big relief knowing where you’re going next year.”

Another Golden Eagle bound for the FCS is Kozlowski, who signed to play offensive line for Southern Illinois. Kozlowski was a big reason Zyks was able to set a school rushing record. He was named to all-Fox Valley Conference and All-Area honorable mention teams.

Bishop signed to play for Division II Northern Michigan University, where 90 percent of his tuition will be covered between athletic academic scholarships. An all-Fox Valley Conference linebacker, he finished his senior season with 64 total tackles, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions.

Bishop visited Northern Michigan and gave his commitment the weekend of Jan. 7.

“I have a lot of family up there and I liked their facilities a lot,” said Bishop, who also considered Drake and Minnesota State. “They have a domed stadium. I just liked Northern Michigan the best.”