Sticky-handed Luke Sanders committed to Western Michigan last week. Among his reasons for committing to the Broncos is their history of putting players in the NFL. Western Michigan finished at the top of the MAC West in 2015 and Sanders figures to continue that success in the future.
Sanders had offers from Elon, Ball State, Army, Eastern Michigan, Columbia and Air Force, but ultimately chose Western Michigan as his college future. He
“Western Michigan’s football program is different than any other program in the country,” Sanders tells IndyScout. “It has a unique culture. There is some new excitement being built around the program due to recent success.”
For now, the 6’4″ 193 Indianapolis Cathedral wide receiver has one goal: taking the Irish to Lucas Oil in the fall.
Castle OL Bryce Bailey committed to Vanderbilt last month and caught up with IndyScout on his commitment to the Commodores. Bailey, a 6’5″ 295-pound offensive tackle, had a busy recruiting season with 21 offers, but chose Vandy for three simple reasons:
“They have a phrase: the city, the degree and the SEC.”
Center Grove running back Titus McCoy committed to Indiana State on Sunday. The Sycamores were the only offer for McCoy, a 5’10” 185 pounder for the defending state champion Trojans.
“I felt apart of the family up there,” McCoy tells IndyScout. “They made me feel like it was home. The coaching staff is an incredible one and they will win, no doubt. I’m excited to be a Sycamore.”
McCoy finished the 2015 season with 1,912 yards and 28 touchdowns rushing and 230 yards receiving en route to winning at Lucas Oil. The Trojans open up the season in a few weeks against Warren Central.
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 325
Offers: 28 per 247Sports
Emil is the top offensive lineman in the state, and it could be argued that he is the best player overall. As a starter at right tackle, he exhibits a quick first step, foot speed, and quickness to pull and hit a moving target. Very effective run blocker who works to the second level and can block in space. Plays with a wide base and keeps defenders between his feet in pass protection. Although he should watch his weight, he possesses an excellent size/speed combination that college coaches around the country have noticed.
Franklin Central WR Wil Huber committed to Cincinnati last month, and talked with IndyScout about his commitment. The 6’5″ 225 WR had offers from Air Force, Ball State, Eastern Michigan and Ohio.
Although he described the recruiting process as something he “didn’t necessarily enjoy” and waiting for the right school was hard, Huber praised the Cincinnati coaching staff and felt they were the best fit for him.
“The people at Cinci are fantastic,” Huber tells IndyScout. “I love the atmosphere and working with Coach Grimes and Coach Taylor was an amazing opportunity. I also believe that the university itself would allow me to succeed in life past football. They have a winning tradition and I couldn’t wait to be apart of it.”
It’s never too early to start thinking about recruiting, right?
Maddox Tavernier, a 2021 8th grade prospect from Fishers Jr. High School, is doing just that. He is already turning heads among top Division I programs with his arm, even at such a young age.
He has had a very busy offseason, with camps at Cincinnati, Purdue, and Michigan.
If that’s not enough, he’s scheduled to visit LSU and Ole Miss this month.
“It’s been a blast,” Tavernier tells IndyScout. “It’s been a great experience. I’m excited and nervous about playing up at the college one-day camps but it will be a good experience to make me better.”
Tavernier was recently invited to the Indiana satellite camp at Carmel High School on July 27th.
Two-sport athlete and top safety prospect Brock Burns committed to Ball State – and had quite a bit to say about the staff and start of a new era under Mike Neu.
The 6’3″ 176-pound safety for Hamilton Southeastern is well-liked by all of his coaches, who have described him as a “triple A kid” and a smart young man in the classroom.
Burns described his commitment as a “dream come true.” He said, from a young age, he has attended many games in Muncie and has longed for the day when he can put Cardinal pads on. Burns said his commitment was “one step closer to that reality.”
“The recruiting process was very enjoyable, but also very intense,” Burns tells IndyScout. “Attending many visits and Junior Days, along with keeping coaches up-to-date with film and news was a grind … I was very thankful to be in the position that I was in during the whole process.”
Burns also had offers from Western Michigan and Buffalo. But he cited Ball State’s educational opportunities, “tremendous coaches,” and competitive atmosphere as three qualities that made him choose the Cardinals.
“I want to attend a college that offers great academic programs that set you up for life after football,” Burns said. “I believe Ball State is in a great position to bring back their winning tradition. As a student-athlete, Ball State checked off all of the boxes when picking a college to attend. I believe Ball State is truly a great fit and I am very excited for what the future has in store.”
Jeffersonville LB Dayna Overton has been invited to a Louisville invitational camp this week. Dayna tells IndyScout that the Cardinals have been on him for awhile.
“U of L is the most interested school,” Overton tells IndyScout. “I’ve also had a lot of contact with UIndy, Purdue, and Carleton.”
“(Louisville) told me they would be at some games at my high school and they also want to come to some games,” Overton said .
South Bend Adams QB Andrew Burgess is quickly drawing the attention of recruiting coordinators.
Burgess earned his first Division I offer from Valparaiso last week. He also holds an offer from Kentucky Christian. He tells IndyScout that Indiana State, Marshall, and Grand Valley State are more college teams that are knocking on his door.
“It was very relieving to get the offer from Valpo,” Burgess tells IndyScout. “The recruiting process has been a bit slow for me so far but things are starting to pick up a little bit. It makes things a lot easier to focus on doing whatever I can to help my team win championships this season.”
SB Adams finished last year 8-4 with two narrow losses to start the season. They had a big win against Mishawaka during the season before losing to the Cavemen in the sectional – for the third year in a row.
The 6’0” 175 Burgess is a dual-threat quarterback who has a quick release, live arm, and great touch. He finished the 20165 season with 2,363 yards of total offense and 21 touchdowns.
Indiana Football Scout 