Euclid players make their commitments

The Euclid football program continues to churn out college football players.

Cameron Smith has committed to play at Eastern Michigan, while teammate Atiba Fitz has committed to the Air Force Academy.

Smith and Fitz are just two of the four Panthers who have committed to their college destinations prior to the start of their senior seasons.

Two months ago, Alex Reese committed to Akron and Armond Scott committed to Kentucky.

“I think it’s awesome,” Coach Jeff Rotsky said. “We have four now — and it’s a blessing to have four Division I commits at this point. We’re all about getting kids into school. I don’t get caught up in Division I or II. It’s great getting kids into school at the next level.”

A 6-foot-3, 180-pound safety, Smith finished his junior season with 50 tackles and three interceptions, two going for touchdowns.

He broke up 11 passes and forced a pair of fumbles.

He chose Eastern Michigan over offers from Ohio, Akron, Miami, Western Michigan, Buffalo, Kent State and Iowa State.

Fitz is a do-it-all player for the Panthers. A starter in the Euclid secondary, he had 31 tackles with three interceptions and four pass break-ups, despite missing a handful of games with a foot injury. Offensively, he ran for 412 yards and four touchdowns on 44 carries.

Rotsky raves of both players.

“The great thing with Cam is he’s long, athletic and a great jumper,” said the coach of Smith’s skill set. “His football IQ is spectacular. He makes plays.”

Smith said the coaching staff sold him on going to Eastern Michigan, and that his physical frame is one to build when he gets to the college level.

“I’m excited,” Smith said of his commitment. “It’s a good opportunity to play Division I college football and get an education.”

Now Smith can turn his attention to his senior year.

“I wanted to make my decision before my senior year,” he said. “Now I can focus on this season. We’ve got something special going. I think it’s going to be the best season we’ve had.”

Fitz’s commitment gives Euclid its third commit to a service academy in recent years. Anthony Wright, Jr., is now a captain in the U.S.

Air Force and Jalen Jacobs is at West Point.

Fitz had offers from all three service academies — West Point (Army), Annapolis (Navy) and the Air Force.

“Atiba is the first player I’ve had to have offers from all three military academies,” Rotsky said. “I love all of them. What an accomplishment.”

White Fitz can play on both sides of the ball, but Air Force recruited him for the offensive side.

“He’s electric,” Rotsky said. “When the football is in his hands, he has the vision and speed to take it to the house on any play.”

“He bring a lot to the table. He’s the quarterback on the back end of our defense, and as a kick returner the kid is unbelievable.”

Fitz said he talked with Wright and Jacobs before making his decision, and that the opportunity to play football at Air Force was important to him.

“This is an opportunity not many kids have,” he said. “To get offers from all three service academies and to have a choice is great. I’m excited about that.”

He wants to be a playmaker for the Falcons.

“I know I’m going to be a running back and slot type of guy,” he said. “They want to create mismatches with me, move me around and use me in as many ways as they can.”