Fort Hamilton High School Football: Tiger Agrees To Become a Columbia Lion

January 26, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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By Jim Dolan

Brooklyn Eagle

After visiting the campus of Columbia University just two weeks ago, Fort Hamilton High School’s Toba Akinleye has decided to verbally commit to a football scholarship, exchanging his Tiger stripes for a Lion’s mane.

Since first meeting Columbia’s head coach during a spring workout in his sophomore year, Akinleye has always kept Columbia in mind, and his recent visit to the uptown campus sealed the deal.

“I loved the people I met up there and the friendly atmosphere,” Akinleye said. “The coaches told me that they’re looking to turn around the program and wanted me to be a part of it.”

In addition to the high school football program, which runs six days a week, Akinleye is also enrolled in the school’s AP program and has managed to maintain a 93 grade point average.

“Each night I got home late and stayed up late to keep up with all the assignments,” the senior said of his athletic and academic commitments.

Besides playing collegiate football, Akinleye’s goal is to prepare to become a doctor as an undergraduate at Columbia.

“I’m really proud of him”, said Fort Hamilton Head Coach Dan Perez. “He’s our first player to make it to the Ivy League.” Toba Akinleye forces a fumble on his tackle during this seasonâ€™s game against Sheepshead Bay. Playing defensive end, Akinleye had 17 sacks on the season and was named to the PSAL All-City team. Eagle photos by Jim Dolan