Thomas Dale High School senior and football standout Mike Dudley will still be able to go to his parents’ house to do laundry and enjoy home-cooked meals next year.

Dudley recently committed to play for Virginia State University, less than 10 miles from Dale’s J. Wilson Crump Stadium.

Dudley finished his senior campaign with 13 catches for 264 yards and six touchdowns. He also earned First-Team All State honors. He also played a vital role in the Knights’ dream run to the 2009 Division 6 state championship – a feat not many saw coming before the season.

The Knights knocked off nationally ranked Oscar Smith in the semifinal before defeating Lake Braddock 35-21 in the title match.

“You couldn’t ask for a better senior year,” Dudley said. “It was really surprising – nobody expected it – but it was probably one of the best feelings ever when we won.”

Dudley hopes the feelings of accomplishment and self-confidence will help yield results when he pulls on a Trojan jersey. He says he expects to start at either tight end or fullback as a freshman.

“I definitely don’t want to be the person who goes through college and doesn’t do anything,” Dudley said. “I at least want to start and get my name out there a little bit more than what it is now, especially being close to home.”

Dudley says he will major in criminal justice and hopes to excel as much in his career as he does on the football field. After college, he wants to work for the FBI or Secret Service.

“You should never doubt anybody because anything can happen,” Dudley said. “Especially in the game of football.”