Lorenzo Stewart, second from right, signed a letter of intent to attend Tennessee State University in the fall to play football, Friday at ERHS. Pictured from left, Tommy Stewart, Shawanna Stewart, Lorenzo and ERHS football coach Tim James.

Another East Ridge High School athlete will continue their playing days at the next level.

On Friday morning, Lorenzo Stewart signed a letter of intent to play football for Tennessee State University in Nashville. He celebrated with his mom and dad, Shawanna and Tommy and about three dozen of his friends that he invited who helped him achieve glory on the gridiron.

“I”m really excited,” Lorenzo said after having light refreshments and relishing the moment. “I’m pumped up.”

Pioneer football coach Tim James said that Lorenzo has a “preferred walk-on status and is guaranteed a spot on the 110-man Tigers roster for next season. With Lorenzo’s hard work in the classroom, James said, he qualified for a Hope Scholarship.

James said that Mars Hill and Austin Peay showed interest in the linebacker/running back. Lorenzo’s decision may have been affected by his mom having family in the greater Nashville area.

“Lorenzo is a quality young man,” James said. He’s coachable and just always smiling. He’s a leader.”

Aside from the quality of his character and academics, Lorenzo has distinguished himself on the football field. He was a two-time All State selection. Last year he was named the Region Player of the Year. 

Over the past two years, Lorenzo has recorded 300-plus tackles. Last year, his coaches say, he had 86 solo tackles and 60-plus assists. For good measure, on the other side of the line he rushed for more than 700 yards. If that’s not enough, Lorenzo has blocked 11 PAT in his career.

James said that once the TSU coaches get an up-close and personal idea of the skills of the 6-foot, 1-inch, 240-pound Lorenzo could get a full athletic scholarship at the Ohio Valley Conference school.

Good luck, Lorenzo. We will be looking for you on Saturday afternoon’s this fall.