For a second straight year, the Big Ten has found its way to Sunbury.

Skyler Schofner, a 6-foot-8, 310-pound offensive tackle who transferred to Big Walnut High School following his junior year at Washington Court House, signed a national letter of intent last week to play football at Michigan State University.

Schofner becomes the second Golden Eagle to join a Big Ten football program in the past two years, joining All-Ohio linebacker Will Studlien who signed with Northwestern in 2009 after helping lead the Golden Eagles to the 2007 OHSAA Division III State Championship.

“This is awesome, a dream come true,” Schofner said following his signing ceremony Wednesday (February 3) in the high school auditorium.. “Coach (Mark) Dantonio said, depending on how everything works out this summer, there is a good chance I could see playing time as a freshman. The Spartans have an openings on their offensive line so the opportunity is there … now it’s all up to me.”

Schofner, a 4-star recruit ranked as the 15th best prospect in Ohio and the 22nd best offensive lineman in the nation, said he made his decision to sign with Michigan State following the Spartans’ Penn State game on November 20.

He said coach Dantonio was the driving force behind his decision to attend MSU.

“Coach Dantonio really showed the most interest during the recruiting process. He explained what would be required for me to make the team, the help that was available on campus should I need it … he made me feel good about myself as an individual.”

Schofner earned three varsity letters at Washington Court House where he was a Second Team All-Ohio selection his junior year and a Special Mention All-Ohio choice his freshman-sophomore years. He earned All-South Central Ohio honors all three seasons as a member of the Blue Lions’ squad.

His senior season at Big Walnut saw Schofner selected as one of 30 senior to attend the Touchdown Club of Ohio, and receive invitations to play in the South Carolina All-Star Game and Aloha All-Star Game in Honolulu, Hawaii, which annually attracts the top players in the United States.

At the December Aloha Bowl where he started at left offensive tackle for the Mainland All-Stars, he was voted the Most Valuable Player as the game’s Outstanding Lineman. The All-Stars defeated the Hawaii/Polynesia All-Stars 26-6.

“That was an awesome experience … I probably played my best game ever,” Schofner recalled.

Skyler was offered full rides by 23 universities and colleges, including six other Big Ten schools in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa Michigan, Purdue and Wisconsin. Among others were Boston College, Cincinnati, Florida, Kansas, Southern Cal, South Carolina and West Virginia.

Big Walnut head coach Joe Weaver called Schofner’s accomplishments on the gridiron “a great accomplishment. Skyler worked hard to get where he is today and now it is time for him to take his game to the next level at Michigan State and enjoy his time in college.”

Schofner also enjoyed track and field, lettering two years at Washington Court House where he was a State qualifier in the discus his sophomore year as well as in the shot put his junior year.

“I am thankful for the support of my mother, my coaches, my teammates … without their total support I would not be where I am today,” Schofner said at last week’s signing ceremony. “Today is something I will remember my entire life.”

Heather Schofner, Skyler’s mother, said she was proud of her son’s success.

“I am so proud of Skyler and with what he has accomplished … I wish him all the best at Michigan State and beyond,” Skyler’s mother said.

Big Walnut athletic director Steve Glesenkamp congratulated Schofner on his many accomplishments

“Skyler represented Big Walnut High School well during his brief football career with the Golden Eagles. We wish him continued future success when he graduates and joins the collegiate ranks,” Glesenkamp said. “Skyler realizes this kind of success could not have been achieved without the assistance of his coaches and teammates … you cannot attain this level by yourself.”