MARTINS FERRY — After weighing the pros and cons of his college options, Martins Ferry senior Alex Reese will continue his academic and athletic careers at NCAA Division I Youngstown State University.

He announced his intentions late Tuesday night on social media.

Reese, an all-stater in football and basketball, said there was little doubt as to which route he would take to play collegiately.

“I knew it was going to be football pretty much,” he admitted. “Football recruiting really picked up the last couple of years more than basketball. Not many (schools) pulled the trigger on basketball.

“It’s definitely a big weight off my shoulders,” the 6-6, 220-pounder said. “I’m not really concerned anymore. I just want the rest of my senior year to play out.”

He made his decision recently but kept it a secret until national signing day.

“I knew probably a week or two ago when I made my official visit,” he said.

Other schools in the running for his talents were Akron, Ohio University, Eastern Illinois, Illinois State and some D-II and D-III schools, he said.

“I felt at home there. All the people were very nice,” he said of his decision. “The football coach is very nice and so are the assistants.

“It was close enough to home so my family members can still come and watch me play, but far enough away.”

Reese said plans for him are to play tight end for the Penguins.

“I gained 20 pounds over summer but I’m starting to lose it now because of basketball,” he said. “I want to try and stay around 215-220. I’ll probably get to about 240 when I get there.”

Playing as soon he can is in his future.

“I want to contribute as soon as possible and be the best person/player that I can be,” he added.

His assets as a tight end?

“Finishing my blocks and catching the ball,” he continued. “I have pretty good hands.”

Martins Ferry head football coach Justin Kropka knows talent when he sees it.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to coach a lot of good football players. The great football players are determined by their work ethic, willingness to work year-round on getting better and how they handle themselves off the field and in the classroom. Those are the players that will continue to play in college and that fits Alex to a tee,” Krokpa said. “He’s very coachable. He’s a big part of the community and he is tremendous on the football field.

“I think Youngstown State is a good fit for him. They came in early and offered him after his junior year. I think they were the leader in the clubhouse the entire time.”

Reese was a dynamic two-way player for the Purple Riders for four seasons. During his senior campaign, he caught 34 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 21 yards a catch. Defensively, he charted 91 total tackles, with 29 going for minus yardage. He had 16 quarterback sacks, defende3d six passes, forced four fumbles, recovered a fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown.

As a junior, he logged 86 tackles, 34 for lost yards, sacked the quarterback 13 times, caused three fumbles and recovered two. He had 30 catches for 479 yards and a trio of six-pointers.

On the basketball court, he scored his 1,000th career point as a junior.

“I want to thank everyone including my family, friends, teammates and coaches who helped me get to this point. I am beyond grateful.”

Youngstown State is a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Other members include Indiana State, Illinois State, Missouri State, Murray State, North Dakota, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, South Dakota State and Southern Illinois.

The Penguins call Stambaugh Stadium their home.