Join Marshall, Paris in continuing playing careers collegiate
While much attention has been given to Nate Marshall and Jack Paris and their commitments to the University of Michigan and University of Illinois respectively, two more Fenwick seniors joined them in a ceremony at the school, Feb. 5, to sign agreements to continue their own football careers at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS, formerly NCAA Division I-AA) level.
Emmett Romeus, an Oak Park resident, will play at Butler University while TJ Woods is heading to Bryant University in Rhode Island.
“Butler gives me the opportunity to play football for a competitive program at a great academically-challenging university,” said Romeus, whose older brother Elijah, a 2024 Fenwick graduate who was a wide receiver for the Friars, is already with the Bulldogs. “I have visited many times and it always felt like a place I wanted to be and a program I wanted to be a part of.”
“I chose Bryant because it checked all my boxes,” Woods said. “Most obviously, it was at the level of football I aspired to play at. Academically, I knew that it would prepare me for the remainder of my life and the path I wanted to take. Additionally, the people at Bryant make all the difference; the coaches and staff are good people and the environment is like that of a family.”
Romeus, a wide receiver, averaged 15 yards per reception and was a co-captain for Fenwick, which went 8-3 last season. He is also enjoying success in the classroom, sporting a 4.20 grade point average.
“Academically, Fenwick has allowed me to learn necessary time management skills,” Romeus said. “The teachers and coaches made it a priority to best set us up for the future, and they challenged us to become better individuals.”
Like Romeus, Woods, an offensive lineman, is excelling in his studies at Fenwick, sporting a 4.5 GPA. He was named an Illinois State Scholar and is a member of the school’s National Honor Society.
“Playing at Fenwick has prepared me for the dedication I will find at the collegiate level,” Woods said. “Our numerous morning workouts, after-school ‘open turfs,’ and rigorous practices reminded me and others that goals are to be worked for.”
Both Romeus and Woods said they enjoyed playing for the Friars because of the tight-knit chemistry the team had on the field.
“We all held each other to a high standard and pushed each other to our potential, regardless of how many stars or offers we had,” Romeus said. “Jack and Nate [Marshall, University of Michigan signee] were vocal leaders that heavily influenced the dynamic of practice and games.”
“Playing with all my teammates is an experience I would never trade,” Woods said. “Everyone, including the players you’ve heard of, worked to improve the skills and abilities of each other.”
Most important, both Romeus and Woods believe that the friendships made and lessons learned will persevere as they enter the next phase of their lives.
“The thing I’ll remember most about Fenwick football is the bonds that I created with other players and coaches,” Romeus said. “My experience has taught me the importance of giving your 110 percent in everything you do, and that’s a lesson that will help me be successful throughout the rest of my life.”
“I will remember the friends I have made through Fenwick football,” Woods said. “The people I worked and played with are those that I’ll be friends with for hopefully years to come, and these men are the ones I want to keep. They’re great people and I will appreciate their impact on me forever.”
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