Mitch Trubisky Prepares To Leave Mentor For North Carolina

Most high school athletes sign their letters of intent -- indicating what colleges they will play for -- on the first Wednesday in February.

But Mitch Trubisky has never been most high school athletes.

Mentor High School held an early signing day ceremony Friday morning for the reigning Mr. Football, who graduated already and leaves for the University of North Carolina Saturday.

"We wanted to make sure that we took some time and honored Mitch before he heads south," Mentor High Athletic Director Jeff Cassella said.

Trubisky used the signing as one more opportunity to thank Mentor Schools, his coaches and his teammates.

"I made some of the best memories of my life here," Trubisky said.

"Whatever you do at Mentor, you have people that support you and have your back. That's the great thing about this community."

Trubisky added that he's looking forward to North Carolina.

When asked why he chose the Tar Heels, he replied, "I like to surround myself with great people and I think I'll do well under the coaching staff at North Carolina."

Trubisky also added that the school is strong academically and that he will major in sports science and exercise.

Trubisky's mother, Jeanne Trubisky, and Mentor High Head Football Coach Steve Trivisonno were beside him when he signed his letter of intent.

"We're very excited for him," Jeanne Trubisky said. "There's a lot of opportunity at North Carolina."

Trivisonno said that Trubisky wasn't just a special player, he said his character "is as good as we've ever had here."

During the ceremony, Cassella listed the many awards Trubisky received during his senior year, including The News-Herald and Plain Dealer player of the year, the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division offensive player of the year, Lake County Touchdown Club offensive player of the year, Tony Fisher Award winner, Northeast District offensive player of the year, State of Ohio offensive player of the year, the Gatorade Football Player of the Year for Ohio and the 2012 Mr. Football winner for Ohio.

Trubisky shattered several Mentor records his senior year with 1,129 yards rushing, 4,065 yards passing and a total of 60 touchdowns. For the three years Trubisky was the Cardinals' quarterback -- he platooned his sophomore year -- he threw for 9,126 yards and 92 touchdowns.