FREEPORT — Mitchell Shaw practically willed himself into college football.

Despite playing only one season at Freeport and battling through assorted injuries last fall, Shaw recently signed a letter of intent with St. Francis (Pa.) University of the Northeast Conference.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Shaw played linebacker for the Yellowjackets, but was recruited to play safety for the Red Flash.

"Mitch has the size and speed to be successful as a safety in college," Freeport coach John Gaillot said.

After spending three years of his high school career at Knoch, Shaw transferred to Freeport and was a three-way player when healthy.

The impending teachers strike in the South Butler School District steered Shaw's family to Freeport.

"It was a family decision," Shaw said. "My parents didn't want to take any chances on my education and scholarship hopes being interrupted.

"It was hard leaving Knoch because I was playing football with my buddies since seventh grade. They're great guys — but I discovered great guys at Freeport, too. They made me feel welcomed there."

Shaw had 22 tackles and 27 assists — averaging seven tackles per game — at his linebacker position last season. He scored three touchdowns as a running back and averaged 32 yards per kickoff return.

During his senior season, Shaw suffered bruised ribs against Ford City, then sprained his meniscus against Kittanning.

"He was supposed to miss four games, but came back after two and returned a kickoff 97 yards against Burrell," Gaillot said.

Shaw broke his lower leg against Deer Lakes and missed the Yellowjackets' final three games.

"That kid overcame a lot, coming into a new system as a senior," Gaillot said. "But he's a bright student-athlete and he picked up on things quickly.

"He put together a good highlight film with Coach (Mike) King during his junior year at Knoch. He did a phenomenal job getting himself a chance to play college football.

"Basically, he sold himself. His personality, work ethic and desire, coupled with the fact he loves the game of football, will make him a successful player in college," Gaillot added.

Shaw shrugged off the injuries and moved forward.

"The adversity just made me more determined to get there," he said.

Shaw was an all-conference honorable mention as a linebacker and kick returner for Freeport's section championship team.

Former NFL All-Pro offensive lineman Chris Villarrial, who played 11 years with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills, was hired as the new head coach at St. Francis in December. He had been on the Red Flash coaching staff for a number of years.

Villarrial replaced Dave Opfar, who resigned as coach after posting a 17-68 record over eight seasons. St. Francis finished last in the NEC with a 2-9 overall record last fall and was winless in 2008.

The Red Flash scored 14 or fewer points in eight of 11 games last year.

"This is the best recruiting class we've put together here in nearly 10 years," Villarrial said. "I'm extremely optimistic we're putting people in place to turn this program around.

"We're selling a family atmosphere on this campus and the kids are buying into it."

Shaw didn't make his visit to St. Francis until after the coaching change.

"I was able to sit down with (Villarrial) and he's passionate about what he's doing," Shaw said. "I don't know if I'll redshirt, how much I'll play or anything like that.

"I'll give 100 percent and let the coaches coach. I'll just play."

While the St. Francis football team has been struggling, Villarrial said the school has not.

"Kids know they won't get lost in the shuffle here," he said. "Our business majors have a 100 percent job placement rate. That kind of statistic sells itself."

Shaw plans to major in communications.