By DOUG DONNELLY

OTTAWA LAKE – Shea Ruddy will play college football next season at Hilldale College.

The Whiteford senior and four-year starting quarterback signed his national letter of intent Wednesday, the first official signing day, to play for the Chargers.

Ruddy committed to Hillsdale soon after leading the Whiteford Bobcats to the Division 8 state championship in November.

“I have always heard how great of a place it was and I knew that as soon as I stepped on campus,” Ruddy said. “The football staff was very welcoming and kind, which was a big part of my decision.”

Ruddy’s older brother, Ty, is a student at Hillsdale as well.

“It is nice to already have a connection there,” Shea said.

Ruddy became the first Whiteford football player to win a statewide player of the year award when he was named the Division 7/8 Player of the Year by the Associated Press in December. He passed for 1,241 yards and 19 touchdowns this past season and rushed for nearly 800 yards.

In his four seasons as a starter, he set numerous Whiteford records, including career games started and played (45), career passing yards (4,461) and career touchdowns (52).

His touchdown with 1:59 left against Ubly gave the Bobcats a 26-20 lead in the Division 8 state finals at Ford Field. He was also involved in knocking down Ubly’s final desperation pass on fourth down of its final drive of the game.

Ruddy won multiple all-league, all-region and all-state honors in his career at Whiteford.

Hillsdale is a NCAA Division II school. The Chargers went 5-6 last season. They play in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.