Newark high school student signs with Stanford University to play Division I football

For college football fans across the country, Wednesday marks a special occasion known as Early Signing Day.

Early Signing Day celebrates future student athletes of tomorrow as they sign their national letters of intent at the university where they want to further their education.

In Newark, New Jersey, the Malcolm X Shabazz High School held a celebration for one of their own.

With proud parents huddled by his side, senior Zaiden McDonald was all smiles as he signed his letter of intent to play Division I football at Stanford University. It was a touchdown rooted in determination, and one that brought tears of joy.

"This is a life changer. Just to be able to say that I'm going to Stanford, I'm a Stanford man, it means a lot," McDonald said.

The high school senior excels in the classroom, and also does community service with his school. McDonald's high school team cheered him on from the sidelines as he scored a future that holds so much promise.

McDonald's parents knew early on their son was special. His father, Quintine Richardson, got emotional during the celebration.

"I'm super duper proud of my son. I might get a little choked up, but I'm definitely proud of him and I know he is going to do his best. That's all that he has been doing since he was a kid," his father said.

McDonald is a running back for his high school's football team, which is playing for a state championship in New Brunswick on Wednesday night.

He becomes the second student from Malcolm X Shabazz High School in the last two years to head to Stanford. The first student, Omari Gaines, signed with the Stanford Cardinals last year.

The high school is now touting its scholarship success.

McDonald says he wants to pursue an economics track, one of the most challenging at Stanford. His teachers say he is prepared to meet academic challenges and plat football at the collegiate level.

"I have very high expectations and every day he worked hard to meet those expectations," said Joicki Floyd, an AP English teacher.

The 18-year-old got down to work in the summer to prepare himself for college and praises his coaches, teachers and advisors who helped him go the extra yards to make this day possible.

Meanwhile, Stanford graduate and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker surprised McDonald and sent him a message of encouragement.

"Hey Zaiden, it's Cory Booker. I cannot tell you how excited I am about the news, congratulations. Stanford for me opened up a world of possibilities. Playing big-time college football there was one of the best decisions I made in my life, because not only did I have a great football experience, but god it was a foundation for me to go on to do extraordinary things with my life," Booker said in a video.

"You make me Brick City proud. Thank you man, for being one of the shining lights of our city. I hope to see you out there on the field as well as on campus. But congratulations, congratulations, and of course, hope to see you when I'm back home."

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