Makari Tommie’s football career is about to move up another level … and get a lot colder.

Tommie, from Hollywood, will shift from the warmth of South Florida to the chilly air of the Midwest as he enters Minnesota West Community & Technical College this fall. The school is located about an hour’s drive east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Tommie, a 6-foot, 251-pound defensive end, will join the football team in August.

“I think it will be difficult at first,” Tommie said about the climate change as he warmed-up to play in a basketball tournament at Chupco’s Landing in Fort Pierce in June.

Tommie is eager to keep playing football. He’ll have a chance to rejoin former high school teammate Reggie Colson at Minnesota West. The two played together at the International School of Broward.

“He wanted me to come out there and play,” Tommie said.

The coach is looking forward to Tommie playing, too.

“I talked to Reggie about him and I think he’ll fit in real good with us,” said Minnesota West coach Jeff Linder.

Tommie, the son of Lawana Tommie, played three years for International before finishing up at Hollywood Hills as a senior this year. He has never been to Minnesota. The furthest outside Florida he’s ventured is Ohio with his high school team.

Linder said small class sizes are an attractive feature of Minnesota West.

As for football, the team’s first game is Sept. 1 against Central Lakes College-Brainerd.