KARNS CITY — Planning to major in computer programming, Logan Moroney figures to spend five years at Robert Morris University.

That would logically equate to a redshirt freshman football season for the Karns City senior.

But the Colonials may want him on the field this fall.

“They have a need at tight end and I can play that position,” Moroney said Wednesday after signing a national letter of intent with RMU. “If I can get out there and help right away, I'm all for it.”

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Moroney wasn't necessarily recruited as a tight end. But that may not matter.

“Versatility is Logan's biggest asset,” Gremlins coach Ed Conto said. “He's got that combination of strength and speed.

“Defensive back, linebacker, wide receiver, tight end ... he could play any of those positions, maybe even more, at the Division I-AA level.”

Moroney becomes the first Karns City football player to sign with a school higher than Division II since David Black joined Army as a defensive back in 2005.

With Karns City last season, Moroney caught 26 passes for 324 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown and intercepted a pass.

Moroney served as KC's place-kicker as well, booting 45 PATs and three field goals.

“It's hard to say where he'll wind up playing at Robert Morris,” Conto said. “But he's going to a solid school and they'll mold him into whatever they need him to be.

“With spring ball and everything, college coaches convert fullbacks into tight ends, offensive linemen into defensive linemen, they do that stuff all the time.”

Robert Morris is coming off a 1-10 season under first-year head coach John Banaszak, a three-time Super Bowl winner as a Pittsburgh Steeler defensive lineman.

Conto doesn't expect the Colonials to be down for very long.

“They've got good talent and that's a good conference that they're in,” he said. “Logan hasn't even learned how to use his strength yet because he hasn't had to. Going up against 21-year-olds now, he'll have to tap into that and unlock it — and he will.”

Moroney agreed.

“I need to be as prepared as possible for the next season, because when I step on that field, everyone is good,” he said. “Every other player out there was a stud at his high school. It's more of an even playing field and it comes down to who puts in the most work when nobody is watching.

“I have benched 365 this offseason and that was my goal for the end of the year. So far, it truly is going great.”

The versatile Moroney decided not to play basketball this season to dedicate himself to getting better for track and field. He hopes to break his previous school records and place higher at the state meet.

He said he would do track at RMU, but the university doesn't offer it as a men's sport.

Moroney also considered William and Mary, Fordham, Duquesne, Delaware, Wagner, Pitt, Slippery Rock and Clarion before deciding on RMU.

“It just felt like the right fit,” Moroney said. “The coaches and players are all like one huge family. The players are very welcoming and serious about what they want to do next season.

“I'm excited to be a part of turning the program around.”

Staff writer Mike Kilroy contributed to this report