I’m proud of him, not only for the work he did on the field, but for the work he did in the classroom to make this moment possible.”

Foley Head Coach Tad Niblett

FOLEY, Ala. — The Foley Lions added another signee to play football at the next level with senior defensive standout Kai Nicely putting his name on the dotted line Monday to play for Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois.

“Kai was one of those players that made a really big impact coming off the edge for us,” said Foley Head Coach Tad Niblett. “I’m really impressed with the way he’s improved over the last year to year-and-a-half and I have no doubt he can be a big impact player at the next level.

“I’m proud of him, not only for the work he did on the field, but for the work he did in the classroom to make this moment possible.”

At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Nicely has speed and a good frame to excel at the next level.

“He’s tall, and once he gets up there and gets to work, I think he will add about 20 or 30 pounds to be a force at the next level,” Niblett said.

Nicely will join former Lion Eric Cloy at ONU, who recently completed his freshman season as a defensive lineman for the Tigers.

Under second-year head coach Ereic Hehman, the Tigers finished the 2017 campaign with a 6-5 record, finishing third in the Mid-States Football Association’s Midwest League.

MSFA Midwest League Champion Saint Xavier advanced to the NAIA quarterfinals while Mideast League Champion Saint Francis finished as the 2017 NAIA National Champion.

“They compete with a high level of competition,” Niblett said, “so I am really proud to have two players that I’m sure will make an impact for them for years to come.”

Nicely was joined by his mother, family members and other members of the FHS senior class in making the announcement.

“I just want to thank my mom for always supporting me,” he said. “And all my coaches and teammates for everything they have done to make this moment possible.”