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Ryan Bonheyo sat at a table on the stage of Maryland School for the Deaf's packed Ely Auditorium Wednesday morning.

Some might have said the National Signing Day ceremony, in which Bonheyo would commit to Towson University, should have been staged on the Orioles' football field.

However by being the first MSD student to garner a full athletic scholarship, Bonheyo's contributions to the Orioles athletic program stretch way beyond touchdowns and tackles.

"Towson University is the best choice for me," Bonheyo said. "They have big goals, which includes becoming "every-year" contender in Football Championship Subdivision (1-AA) playoffs. There are many people who value academics as much as football. When I enroll , I will receive a good education and play for a good football team."

Calling it, "a great honor for the school," MSD superintendent James Tucker initiated the celebration.

Coaches, teachers, teammates and family members each spoke about Bonheyo with most noting his work ethic and determination.

Bonheyo departs MSD as the school's career rusher in yards (4,258), touchdowns (66), 100-yard games (24), 200 yards games (five) and carries (485). He played a pivotal role in four consecutive National Deaf Championships and was selected as The Gazette's 2007 Player of the Year.

As a senior this past season, Bonheyo accounted for 1,582 yards on 205 carries and 21 touchdowns. He's slatted to play outside linebacker for Towson and its new head coach, Middletown grad and longtime college coach Rob Ambrose.

Arriving at MSD in the fifth grade, Bonheyo told anyone who would listen he'd one day play Division I football.

Never losing sight of his aspirations, he put in the time is now being rewarded for his efforts.

"It is a great feeling for everyone including the family and the school community," Bonheyo's father and head coach Andy Bonheyo said.

"He was the one who made it possible through his hard work. He earned it by himself."