FOOTBALL: Perkins' Nico Caponi commits to Zips

PERKINS TWP. — Perkins’ Nico Caponi was one of 23 seniors to sign their name Wednesday to play for the University of Akron in the fall.

Caponi, the Sandusky Bay Conference’s Most Outstanding Performer and a first-team Northwest All-District and All-Ohio choice, accepted a full scholarship to play for the Zips.

He made his choice in the summer so he wouldn’t have to worry about anything except winning during the season. It paid off, as the Pirates (9-2) shared the SBC crown and hosted their first playoff game since 2000.

“It seemed like a good fit,” said Caponi, who played linebacker as a sophomore and junior before moving to defensive end in 2009. “I liked (defensive end), but I didn’t feel as free.”

While the Zips recruited him at linebacker, he may see the field at defensive end after putting on weight — he’s listed at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds.

He was rated as the No. 22 prospect in the state by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of MaxPreps/CBS Sports. Caponi also played tight end for the Pirates.

Caponi said Wednesday he had doubts about holding his verbal commitment to Akron after J.D. Brookhart was fired Nov. 28 after six seasons and a 30-42 record with the Zips.

The school hired Rob Ianello as its 26th football coach Dec. 10. Caponi said he also considered Toledo, Dartmouth and Harvard.

He will study civil engineering at Akron.