Second-team All-State (Ohio Division III-IV) offensive lineman … 2008 second-team All-Northeast Ohio honoree … Akron Touchdown Club first-team all-star … Ranked as one of the top 100 players in Rivals.com Ohio player rankings … Rated the No. 70 tackle nationally by ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc. … Totaled 13 tackles (six solos) and two QB hurries in state regional final playing defensive end … Helped the Warriors to a 9-3 record and a spot in the regional title game.

“At Northwestern, we take great pride in recruiting young men who are not only outstanding football players, but also tremendous individuals in the classroom and the community,” Northwestern University head football coach Pat Fitzgerald said. “Brian (Smith) and John (Plasencia) are terrific examples of the kind of student-athletes we want at Northwestern.

 “We’re extremely proud that they’ve been named to the USA Football Junior National Team and believe that Brian and John will be tremendous representatives for the United States.”