NEW HOPE — New Hope tight end Lonnie Shinn Jr. signed his letter of intent to play football at Southeastern Louisiana University on Wednesday. He was able to share the moment with his coaches, teammates and family as he celebrated his achievement of going to play ball at the next level.
“He’s very deserving of this and every opportunity offered to him,” Trojans head coach Allen Glenn said. “He earned it by the way he handles his business on a day-to-day basis, we’re proud of him and I’m proud of the year I had with him.”
Shinn was a leader on the field and in the locker room for the Trojans during a historic 2024 season which saw them finish 8-3 and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The year ended earlier than they had hoped for, but securing the first winning season for the program since 2016 was important to Shinn as he wrapped up his high school career.
“It’s meant a lot to me.” Shinn said of his time at New Hope. “I’ve been here all four years of high school, started all four years, so this organization and the football team have meant everything to me. I’m really excited for the future.”
Shinn chose the Lions after an official visit to the campus last week and gave a glowing review of his meeting with the team and coaches.
“It felt like home when I went on my official visit,” he said. “The coaches, the culture and everything. They really showed me that they wanted me and it’s really just a dream to make this decision.”
Shinn gave credit to his coaches for their assistance in the recruiting process, and Glenn highlighted his commitment to earning a scholarship offer as well. He views Shinn’s work ethic as a positive example for the rest of his young team as they look to begin a similar journey, and hopes they can take after the senior leader.
“It’s great for the young guys to see that, and for the guys who want to be recruitable young men to see how Lonnie handled football,” he said. “An example was set for them to look up to and hopefully mold their process and playing career as well, because he did it the right way.”
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