Plymouth tight end LeNeil Himes is a beast on the football field.

The 6'3" 250 pounder is the all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns for the Rockies, while also topping the school record books in interceptions returned for touchdowns.

But the big guy with a big heart couldn't help but get emotional on Wednesday as he thanked his family and friends for helping him reach his dream.

With tears running down his face, Himes thanked those in attendance as he officially signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at Indiana next year. The moment showed how special of day this can be.

"It's real emotional because I'm leaving Plymouth football which is a big part of my life," Himes said afterwards.

Himes broke down again as he talked about being away from his mom and little brother. But he said the emotions were ones of joy. He's excited to have this opportunity now to play at Indiana and coach Bill Lynch.

"The coaching staff there I like a lot," Himes said. "I just see it being a place where I can get along with everyone there."

"It helps that it's red and white too."

Fittingly, Himes will be play for the man that coached LeNeil's coach at Plymouth, John Barron. Bill Lynch coached Barron at Butler. Barron says the connection made both sides realize this was a perfect fit.

Barron called Himes a once in a lifetime player for a coach. LeNeil will be the 2nd player in Plymouth history to play in the Big Ten.