By Craig Beilfuss
LocalSportsJournal.com
NORTON SHORES– Jaylen Vinton, a three-year starter for the Mona Shores football team, signed his letter of intent to attend Ferris State University next season.
Vinton signed in a recent ceremony at Mona Shores High School.
Vinton was a three-year starter for Mona Shores, which is coached by Matt Koziak.
The 6-0, 175-pounder played wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner for the Sailors.
The Bulldogs have won back-to-back Division II national championships under former Muskegon Big Reds coach Tony Annese, who has been roaming the sidelines at Ferris State for the past 10 seasons.
During the 2022 season, Vinton played in 11 games. He had 31 receptions for 550 yards and nine touchdowns. He had four punt returns for 129 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, Vinton had 37 tackles and two interceptions.
For his career at Mona Shores, Vinton had 52 receptions for 946 yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense he recorded 65 tackles, had five interceptions and scored one touchdown.
Vinton also had an offer from Western Michigan University, but opted for Ferris State.
“I just thought that it was a better fit for me after meeting with coaches and coach Annese,” said Vinton.
During his senior season, Vinton was an OK-Green first-team selection. During his junior season, he was an all-conference honorable mention selection.
“What an honor and privilege it was to be able to coach Jaylen for the past three years,” said Koziak. “I am so thankful that he was able to be a part of our program. Jaylen has shown future players what hard work can do, not only in the sport of football, but in the classroom as well. As you can obviously see, we have some big shoes to fill next fall.”
Vinton, the son of Dawn Vinton, plans to major in sports communication. He has a 2.7 grade-point-average.
