COAL GROVE — Otterbein College has shown a spark and Coal Grove Hornets senior lineman Shayne Willis wants to throw on a little gasoline.

Seeing the Cardinals as an up-and-coming football program, Willis decided to help with the upward movement as he signed a letter-of-intent to play for Otterbein.

“I think they have something real nice going on. They’re getting better every year. I hope I can go up there and fuel the fire,” said Willis.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound Willis was an All-Ohio Valley Conference selection is making plans to play during his first season.

“I’m planning on starting right away. I’m just going to work hard,” said Willis who plans to work out this summer with teammate Jared Dever who signed with West Virginia Tech.

“Jared and I are going to start lifting and running every day starting Monday.”

Willis selected Otterbein over Tiffin, Ohio Wesleyan, West Virginia Wesleyan, Kentucky Wesleyan and Kentucky Christian University.

Willis, who was awarded a $19,000 academic scholarship, said he picked Otterbein due to its academics.

“Their education program is ranked among the top schools in the state of Ohio,” said Willis.

Willis plans to major in Biology and eventually become a teacher and a coach.

“With a majoring Biology I can branch out to other things,” he said. “I’m ready for the challenge because I’ve excelled in high school. The only thing that is going to be hard is going away from home.”

Shayne is the son of Mike and Sherri Willis of Coal Grove.