ITG-SG / September 2016
*** Note: Aubrey Solomon has decommitted from Michigan.
The fall may belong to the gridiron, but anyone who genuinely carries a passion for the sport knows that football never truly sleeps. It is a year-round grind that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated in the offseason.
Recruiting never stops in the collegiate ranks, and every season comes with a clean slate to make the best of every Saturday afternoon. Coaches, players, and fans are all aware: The stakes are high for the big names in the stratosphere.
In 2015, the University of Michigan completed an impressive 10-3 season that included three consecutive shutouts (against 22nd-ranked BYU, Maryland, and 13th-ranked Northwestern) and two win streaks of at least four games. Their year ended with a dominant 41-7 victory over the 19th-ranked Florida Gators in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.
However, the ultimate goal is always a National Championship. And the Wolverines have dreams that, as of this summer, include two heavyweights from Lee County, Georgia.
Senior defensive lineman Aubrey Solomon and junior safety Otis Reese both made commitments to the Big Ten school over the summer. And if their performance for the two four-star recruits thus far is any indication, the University of Michigan is in for a delight.
Aubrey Solomon, Class of 2017
Senior defensive lineman Aubrey Solomon will be the first to make the relocation official, as he is a year older than his fellow Trojan and soon-to-be Wolverine teammate. While numerous powerhouses came calling (including Georgia, Auburn, Florida, Clemson, Ohio State, and Oregon), his decision was made after a visit to the campus of Michigan over the summer.
“The coaching staff made me feel wanted,” Solomon said. “Not only that, the academics of Michigan will have me set for life. I love this game, but I know that football won’t last forever. I have to have a ‘Plan B,’ and my education will be that support for my future.”
Picking up the game at the age of 5, Solomon began his athletic career as a member of the Falcons in Arizona. Due to his mother, Sabrina Caldwell, being a member of the United States Navy, his family often saw relocation; his family, including older siblings Kayla and Alex Caldwell and younger siblings Kermit Solomon and Korrine Caldwell, have called Leesburg home since 2009.
“I don’t play for myself,” Solomon said. “I play for my family. I play for my mother; as a single parent, she has done so much and sacrificed everything for us. That is something that I can never truly repay, but please believe I’m going to try. I also know that I have family members that want to play this game and are unable. They look up to me. I want to make sure that I make them all proud.”
Though a knee injury sidelined him for nearly all of his sophomore season, Solomon matured into the type of player that would make any collegiate program blush with excitement. Both his freshman and junior campaigns resulted in First Team All-Region recognition, and he looks to add to his already-stellar resumé this fall.
“I’m willing to do whatever,” Solomon said. “It’s all about the team. We want to win, and we want to win now. We don’t have tomorrow. We have to focus on the now if we want to get the job done.”
When asked about this year, one contest stood out above the rest. Immediately following the season-ending loss to Valdosta, Solomon said that he made it a point to let his teammates know that playtime was over. His strong and strict motivation helped to set the stage for this season. It is strictly business for the Lee County Trojans this fall.
“You just gave me chills bringing that up,” Solomon said with a chuckle. “That was one of the most heartbreaking losses that I’ve ever endured. Last year, our defense was locked in, but we just let it slip. That will not happen again. I can’t wait for October 21. They’ve taken the last two; they will not beat us three times in a row.”
It is clear that Michigan is surely receiving a gift in Aubrey Solomon. A humble, driven individual, he already sees his fit with the program and looks to make an impact immediately. Not only is he ready for the gridiron, he is also ready academically. He looks to major in either broadcasting or nursing; he even notes that U of M has one of the top nursing programs in the country.
“I believe I’m ready to contribute to the team right away,” Solomon said. “I may not be the biggest or fastest, but I take pride in my mindset, and I am always ready to give 110 percent. I am great at stopping the run, and I can call the hole. I have to work on my pass rush, but I’ll be moving into a system that already has (defensive tackle) Rashan Gary. So I’m ready to learn and be the best that I possibly can.”
While his time with the Trojans may be coming to a close, his memories and love for his newfound home will last forever. Solomon recognizes that he would not be the same person without such a strong support system in his life.
“I have to give a special shout out to all of the parents and coaches of Lee County,” Solomon said. “The staff, the teachers, the staff…and especially my mom. None of these people have to come watch us play. But you see them in the stands and on the sideline, week in and week out. That is something that is truly appreciated, and I want them to know that.”
ITG Web Content
Trojan Teammates To Make The Trek To Ann Arbor
By James A. Washington
