Hall’s Lenhart signs with
 Benedictine University

SPRING VALLEY — Hall senior Vito Lenhart signed a letter of intent on Wednesday to continue his football career at Division III Benedictine University in Lisle.

Lenhart, an NCIC Lincoln unanimous all-conference selection on the offensive line for the Red Devils, said that Benedictine stood out among the schools who were courting him.

“I wanted a school that was a fit for me, and I think that overall Benedictine is a good choice for me. I can see myself there for four years,” Lenhart said.

Lenhart, who moved to tackle for his senior season with Hall, is slated to play guard at Benedictine. He hopes to make an impact as soon as possible with the Eagles.

“I’ve just got to work hard and show what I have. I’ve got quick feet, and hopefully, that will get me a lot of playing time.”

Benedictine coach Jon Cooper said he is looking forward to having Lenhart enter his program.

“We’re really excited about it (signing Lenhart). We feel he’s a high profile player from the area. We’re really glad to have him; we think he’s got a great future in college football,” Cooper said.

Cooper twice scouted Lenhart during his high school career and liked what he saw on the field.

“He has good size, good growth potential, and a great football mentality,” Cooper said. “He really loves the game and wants to play.”

Cooper said bringing in freshman talent on the offensive line was a priority for the Eagles, as they have seven or eight lineman who will be seniors next year on the offensive line.

“Vito’s been a great ballplayer for us the past two years,” said former Hall football coach Gary Vicini. “I think that he can be a really good offensive lineman for Benedictine.”

Spring Valley fans will find it easy to identify Lenhart on the field at Benedictine as he will keep the No. 65 jersey that he wore during his career at Hall.

While at Benedictine, Lenhart said he intends to major in criminal justice in order to one day join the state police or another position in the field.