By CINDY CROSBY
Colleton County Cougar American football highlight Ian Shark signed on Tuesday, February 2, to continue his academic and athletic career at South Carolina State University. Shark plans to contribute to the offensive line for Division I Bulldogs at the Middle East Athletic Conference. Shark received offers from the State of Alabama, Central North Carolina, Newberry College, Savannah State, Benedict College, Erskine College and a favorite walk-on at The Citadel.
Shark is a four-year varsity letterman for cougars. He was nominated for the AAAA All-State list and was twice named Region VII-AAAA All-Region. In addition, he was nominated for the South Carolina Senior Bowl and the Blitz Border Bowl.
Shark said his recruitment for South Carolina came after a family friend, Art Williams, sent his film to the head coach. “They liked my film and offered me a full scholarship,” said Shark. “They have a young football team that is incredibly good and they were looking for a forward. The coach said he saw me helping from the start. They have a strong business program and put many players in the NFL. “
“I would love to thank my parents and Coach Howell, Coach Sean Lyons, Coach Coby Peeler and Coach Scott Wheeler very much,” said Shark.
“I’m very proud of Ian for signing with SC State,” said Coby Peeler, Cougar Football coach. “All of our guys who signed are great kids and have a bright future ahead, Ian is no exception. Ian is proof of what hard work can do for you. Ian used the weight room and an incredible work ethic to become a great football player. It is a testament to yourself, your wonderful family and our coaches, and the work they do too. It is Ian’s character and personality that distinguishes him and makes him attractive to schools as well. Ian also started to have many more doors open to him because he gave himself more options for his academic success. I can’t emphasize enough to these guys that academic success will open more doors than any major film. Ian understood that, accepted it and made it happen. I can’t wait to see all of our guys at the next level, and with SC State being so close, I definitely look forward to watching some games. “
Shark is the son of Charles and Cassandra Shark of Walterboro. He currently maintains a GPA of 3.3. He plans to major in business management.