Senior football player Nick Johnson signed a letter of intent with Ohio Dominican University this morning in the student commons.

Johnson, who is known for leading this year’s varsity football team to a winning season that included a 6-0 start, said his signing was a dream come true.

“It was kind of surreal,” he said. “You dream about that your whole life and now I’m playing college ball.”

Johnson, who plans on majoring in exercise science, said he’s excited about attending the Division 2 school.

“I went down for a visit and felt really at home with the coaches and the players,” he said. “It’s a smaller school but it’s in a big city where I can get attention academically but also have a big city feel.”

Varsity football coach Scott Baum said Johnson has been an exceptional leader on the team.

“I met Nick in fourth grade in feeder football,” he said. “He’s been our poster boy of change here at Niles West. We’ve gone where we’ve gone because of Nick. Because of his dedication, commitment, and time on and off the field. As a coach, it was cool to see him sign today. It’s somewhere great to play.”

Assistant athletic director Terri Laux said she expects Johnson to succeed as a Ohio Dominican Panther.

“Nick Johnson is a great representation of  a Niles West student athlete and is developing into a great young man. I expect him to do great things in the future,”  she said.

The Ohio Dominican Panthers finished the season 12th in the ASCA 2013-14 season.