(NEW ORLEANS, LA) Five student-athletes from Jesuit High School of New Orleans made their commitments to play football at the collegiate level. Family, friends, faculty, and coaches were shoulder to shoulder in St. Ignatius Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 5, to witness one of the biggest signing ceremonies in recent Jesuit history.

View the Photo Gallery from the NCAA Commitment Ceremony

Brian Balestra
(Georgetown University)
H: 6’4” W: 285

Brian Balestra will sign a national letter of intent to play for Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Jesuit’s head football coach, Mark Songy, had this to say about Balestra:

“Our loss of a reliable, tough, and competitive, standout offensive lineman is certainly going to be a welcome addition to Georgetown University. Brian’s personality directly contributed to the overall attitude and approach of the team in an infectious way. I am confident that he will add this personality to Georgetown’s offensive team. As a three-year starter on our offensive line, Brian brought with him a great work ethic along with a fine example of what we always want from our offensive linemen at Jesuit. We will miss his presence and leadership upfront but hope that our younger players have adopted his approach to his team and to the game.”

Grant Jordan
(Yale University)
H: 6’2” W: 190

Grant Jordan will sign a national letter of intent to play football for Yale University in New Haven, CT. 

“Yale commitment Grant Jordan is fulfilling a dream he has had for quite some time,” said head football coach Mark Songy. “As our quarterback, Grant contributed to our offense by accounting for more than 2,800 yards through the air and on the ground with 29 touchdowns. These numbers will certainly be missed, but his leadership as a team captain, especially in tough situations, will be missed even more. The performances and leadership he brought to our entire team is certainly something that Yale looks forward to having in Grant. His development as a quarterback in such a short period of time indicates that his best ball is just ahead of him. While I am sorry to see him go, I am tremendously proud of all that he has brought to our program.”

Joe Lombardi (University of Louisiana at Lafayette)
H: 6’3” W: 200

Joe Lombardi will make a commitment to play for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Head football coach Mark Songy said this about Lombardi:

“While Joe was sidelined with an injury early in the season, his approach to returning to help his team was nothing less than laudable. Prior to the season, our coaching staff was very hopeful that Joe would develop into a major part of our offense. According to Long Island personal injury law firm, while things did not work out as planned due to the injury, Joe’s effort, spirit, and aggressive work to return provided a great example for our younger players, not to mention a source of motivation for our coaches and players alike. As a preferred walk-on for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Ragin’ Cajuns will undoubtedly benefit as Joe grows into the player I know he will become. I am proud that Joe will continue playing and excited to see what he will add to an already successful program.”

Gentry Major
(Rhodes College)
H: 5’8” W: 200

Gentry Major will sign a celebratory national letter of intent to play for Rhodes College in Memphis, TN.

“A notable asset to an already impressive defensive front, I am happy that Rhodes College has seen the value in Gentry as part of their program,” said head football coach Mark Songy. “His work ethic and approach to football will make him an asset to their team. I am excited to see Gentry have this opportunity and know he will make the most of it. We believe he will add great value to the program at Rhodes.”

Max McMahon
(Berry College)
H: 6’2” W: 260

Max McMahon will sign a celebratory national letter of intent to play for Berry College in Floyd County, GA. Head football coach Mark Songy said this about McMahon:

“This all-district offensive lineman brought the type of personality upfront on which we pride ourselves at Jesuit. I have tremendously enjoyed watching Max develop his game as an outstanding offensive lineman. His personal approach toward improvement was present at practice and in the meeting room consistently, every day. It is rare to have a player like Max who works day in and day out to improve his technique, his overall understanding of the game, and his role in our offensive success. Without question, Berry College will benefit greatly as Max continues to take this approach with the college game.”