Doles looking forward to football career at Ottawa University

Louisburg’s Brandon Doles is excited for the opportunity to join the Ottawa University football program this fall after a strong senior season for Louisburg.

There was a time where Brandon Doles felt football just wasn’t in the cards.

That time came his junior season when he sustained a gruesome leg injury that ended his football and wrestling seasons. It was a long road to recovery.

Doles also had a love for baseball and thought it was the sport he wanted to focus on the most. Still, he wanted to give football one last shot and had a strong season for Louisburg in his senior campaign. 

What he found out was, his love for the game was still there. So much so, Doles is continuing on at the college level.

Doles signed his letter of intent to play football at Ottawa University earlier this spring and he can’t wait to make the jump from high school to college.

“The past couple of years I thought I wanted to play college baseball, especially after my injury,” Doles said. “But after I got back on the field my senior year, I knew that football was what I wanted to do and I can’t wait to continue to play at the next level.”

Ottawa is a familiar place for Doles as his brother, Desmond, also played football for the Braves and he grew up following the Ottawa.

So when it came to make a decision, he leaned on his brother for some guidance.

“Definitely Dez playing there helped with my decision,” he said. “Watching the team play the last four years has been so much fun. He showed me how great the atmosphere was with the team and on campus and helped me make my decision.”

However, there will be something new to the program that Doles didn’t see much in those four year — a new coach.

Nick Davis was chosen to take over the program after serving as the defensive coordinator last season.

Defense is where Doles will try to thrive on the football field as the Braves hope to used him as a middle linebacker, along with some time as a long snapper.

“They have some of the best facilities which was a major factor and I really liked their coaching staff when I came and visited,” Doles said. “I’m excited to play for the new head coach in Coach Davis.”

Doles had a big final season for the Wildcats as he was a first-team All-Frontier League selection from the linebacker spot. He finished with 90 tackles and averaged more than 11 per game. He also forced two fumbles.

Now, he hopes some of that success transfers over to the college level.

“Playing college football has always been a dream of mine ever since I was little,” Doles said. “Seeing all my friends and family there at my signing day, supporting me, was the best feeling ever and always knowing they are there to cheer me on is amazing.

“As a freshman it’s gonna be hard to get playing time but I will be working hard all summer and all fall to try and see some time on the field.”