By signing his National Letter of Intent to play football at East Carolina next school year, Domonique Lennon concluded one long-time goal and knows he’s starting out on another.

The Nansemond-Suffolk senior quarterback, defensive back and kick/punt returner will be joining the Pirates primarily for his ability on the defensive side of the ball, most likely at safety.

He’s ready and waiting “anxiously” to enroll at ECU in May for summer classes and to get a jumpstart on summer conditioning.

At the same time, “tomorrow’s just another school day. I’ve got to go home now and do homework. Right now though, I’ll be on cloud nine while doing that homework,” Lennon said after he made his verbal commitment an official acceptance of ECU’s scholarship offer.

“It’s a dream come true. It means a lot when everyone says you can’t do it,” Lennon said.

Lennon transferred from Landstown to Nansemond-Suffolk prior to his junior year. Head coach Kevin Allen was in his first season coaching the Saints when Lennon became a Saint.

“I said to Coach Allen, the first time I met him, ‘all I want to do is play college football,’ so now to do it, it means a lot. I’m at a loss for words. All I can say is ‘thank you.’” Lennon said.

With Lennon as a key contributor on offensive, defense and special teams, the Saints won the VIS (Virginia Independent School) Division II state championship in 2009.

“I was reading the ECU football Web site,” said Don Birmingham, NSA’s Director of College Counseling, “and I learned Domonique’s the 100th ranked safety in the nation by ESPN.com.”

“But I’ve got something more impressive, this year, his senior year, Domonique’s earned a 92.94 GPA,” Birmingham said.

The Pirates were 6-7 last season, finishing with a loss to Maryland in the Military Bowl. ECU won the Conference USA championship in 2008 and 2009.

Ruffin McNeal, a defensive back for the Pirates in his playing days, is entering his second season as ECU’s head coach.

“I’m ready to go. I talk about it every day and I’m getting ready for it every day. I’m anxious beyond belief,” Lennon said.