Teammates, classmates, coaches and family flooded into the Athletic Lobby earlier today as seniors Adam Samaha and Laith Shamma both signed their respective national letters of intent to advance their academic and football careers and play at the NCAA Division 1 level next season.

Samaha, a 5-star kicker, has officially committed to the University of Michigan, while Shamma, a 3-star defensive lineman, officially committed to the University of Toledo.

Samaha said his thoughts simply: “I’m going to the best university in the world.”

After a phenomenal senior season, Samaha earned 1st team All-MHSFCA honors as MHSAA Division 1’s best kicker.

“This means the world to me, I’m very excited to make the most out of this opportunity,” Samaha said. “I will be academically and athletically set for life and it’s truly a blessing to be a wolverine.”

While Samaha signed his papers at 3 p.m., teammate and close friend Laith Shamma would sign his letter of intent at 3:45. Toledo was Shamma’s first offer. Now a year later and many other offers later, he’s remained loyal to Toledo.

“They gave me the opportunities that I now have and I’m forever grateful for the coaching staff at Toledo,” Shamma said. “They have a special place in my heart.”

Another factor in the decision was distance. Not too close, but not far from home.

“It’s closer than MSU, it’s only like, 40 minutes away… I wanted to go a little far away but not too far,” Shamma asid. “I’ll be pursuing Medicine at the University of Toledo as well. I’m really just looking forward to the next chapter of my life.”