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Joe Morales announces his decision to attend Ohio University

(South El Monte)- Former South El Monte linebacker Joe Morales signed a letter of intent Wednesday afternoon to play college football at Ohio University next fall.

Morales chose the Bobcats after having talks with Alabama State, San Diego University, Northern Colorado, and Eastern Kentucky.

“I told coach (Frank) Solich I wanted to be part of a school that was building a tradition and that I wanted to play football at Ohio,” said Morales. He then proceeded to thank his wife Esperanza for her encouragement, his parents, family, and friends for the same. “Lee Aguirre and I used to talk about this day. About us both playing division-one football. It took me a while to get here, but I’m here.”

“I remember Joe being the water boy,” said former South El Monte head coach Erick Escamilla. “And wanting to follow in the footsteps Emilo and Eddie to play football and he was the first freshman to ever play varsity football for South El Monte. I’m so proud of him.”

Morales played for the Eagles from 2003 to 2005, before transferring to St. Paul for his senior season. The last two years he has been playing for Fullerton College

“Joe was a hard practice player,” said Escamilla. “He would give our offense fits during practice.”

Escamilla noted his most special memory of Morales was when he converted a fake punt on fourth and nine in a 28-28 tie with Westminster the second round of the 2005 CIF Playoffs.

Morales future plans are to pursue a career as an athletic counselor, his current plan is to compete for a starting outside linebacker spot for Ohio. Spring workouts begin at the end of March.

“I’m very proud of Joe,” said former South El Monte defensive coordinator Aaron Williams (Indiana alum). “Nobody carried him, he did it all himself. It’s hard work that’s getting him where he wants to be. I knew he was a special linebacker since the first time I saw him. He had great instincts, he’s been a butt-kicker at every level.”

“I want Joe to know how proud he should be. It’s truly an honor, it many ways its one in a million to play football at this level,” said former South El Monte offensive coordinator Jerry Urias (Temple alum). “He was never looking for special privileges. He did the work, he did everything he had to do.”

Joe Morales celebrates signing day with his family

Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, plays in the Mid American Conference (featuring: Bowling Green, Temple, Miami (Ohio), Kent St.). The Bobcats, coached by Frank Solich, have Ohio State, in Columbus, on the schedule for next fall.