Jeannette grad Gio Vonne Sanders to play at Western Michigan

With two years of eligibility left to give a team, Gio Vonne Sanders is set to live out his dream.

The former Jeannette and St. Francis (Pa.) football standout announced he has made a verbal commitment to Western Michigan of the FCS Mid-American Conference.

Sanders, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back, received an offer from Western Michigan on Saturday and accepted a full scholarship Sunday.

All Glory to God ???? #LetsRide #Committed @WMU_Football pic.twitter.com/JopwOdHOHT

— Gio Vonne Sanders (@GioVonne_1) June 5, 2022

He also considered Western Illinois, Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee-Chattanooga, North Alabama, Robert Morris, Duquesne and Sacred Heart.

“The coaching staff is second to none, and I believe they will develop me and help me reach my fullest potential,” Sanders said of Western Michigan. Sanders said having another St. Francis (Pa.) product on the team played a part in his decision to play at Western Michigan.

Dorian Jackson is a Bronco.

“That is a bonus,” Sanders said.

With 106 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 14 pass breakups and four interceptions, Sanders was a key cog in the Red Flash’s defense in his two years in Loretto.

But Sanders, who played quarterback at Jeannette and initially went to Pitt to wrestle out of high school, always had larger goals.

“It’s always been my dream to play football on a bigger stage,” he said. “I developed myself on and off the field while at St. Francis and it has paid off. I just trusted in God, put my head down and worked hard. It’s a dream come true but just another step in my journey.”

Sanders has gained a fresh perspective on more than football. His life changed with the birth of his son, Abishai, in January.

“My story’s already written,” Sanders said. “I’m just trusting God’s plan.”