Two Notre Dame football players are taking their skills to the collegiate ranks next fall.

Joey Emnett and Craig Williams both signed a Letter of Intent recently to play at Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Ky.

"I think it means a lot (for our program)," said Notre Dame coach Kyle McKnight. "We promote work ethic at Notre Dame and the kids work for what they got. We have had a lot of people from Notre Dame play college football."

According to McKnight, Kentucky Christian runs the spread offense and likes what they have seen of Williams in the open field.

"He's a strong kid," said McKnight. "He bench presses 350 pounds, he's very quick and fast, so he fits into the spread offense."

McKnight also said that Williams could be a blocking back in passing situations.

"They (Kentucky Christian) likes backs that can be blockers and that catch the ball out of the backfield," said McKnight.

Williams think he will be able to both block and be a receiver.

"He (Williams) will also be a motivator in the weight room for Kentucky Christian," said McKnight.

Williams is still undecided what field of study he wants to pursue a major in at this point.

"Coach McKnight introduced me to them," said Williams. "Then I checked them out and the thought it would be a good decision to go there."

Williams said that Kentucky Christian is just entering its first year of varsity competition.

"I know they are just starting," Williams. "This is their first year having a varsity squad. They're starting all freshmen and sophomores, so I might have a chance to play."

Williams said a part of the decision to go to Kentucky Christian was the proximity to home.

"Location (was a part of the decision)," said Williams. "It was pretty close to my home."

McKnight said the great thing about Emnett is "he's so versatile. He's pretty tall, quick and Joey we'll hit you.

"They are looking at him at outside linebacker but he also has good hands, and was a good possession receiver for us," McKnight added. "So they also are going take a look at him as a receiver. They're glad when they kids that can play at different positions."

McKnight said with his height, he can create mismatches, which is what you look for in the spread formation.

Emnett plans to pursue a major in Business Management. Emnett said that the people and the campus appealed to him.

"Just the people and small campus (appealed to me)," said Emnett. "It's just like high school."

Emnett also mentioned the religious aspect factored in his decision.

"The religion was kind of close to mine," he said.

Emnett said the he knows the football program is just now getting of its feet.

"I know they just started and are looking for athletes," said Emnett. "This is their second year."

"I'll play whatever position they want me at," Emnett added.

Emnett said that the small class size and student to professor ratio played into his decision.

"I can go to any professor at any time and they'll know my name," said Emnett. "I can get one-on-one time with him or her."

McKnight feels that when kids give him four years of their time and effort that he will do whatever he can to help them get to the next level.

McKnight said that the kids work hard in the classroom on the practice field and in the games and he feels it his job and responsibility to help them out.

BRET BEVENS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 242.