Western Michigan University football had a big week, picking up 5 new commitments for their 2022 class, all in the span of seven days. The Broncos added four athletes as well as a quarterback.
The first commitment came from August Johanningsmeier. Johanningsmeier is 6-foot-4 athlete from Howell, Mich.
"I knew right from my unofficial visit that I loved what they (WMU) had as a team and the coach’s were amazing," Johanningsmeier said.
Johanningsmeier also had recruiting interest from the likes of Michigan State, Central Michigan, Lehigh and Wayne State. His recruitment certainly would've been busier but Johanningsmeier missed the first half of last season due to a shoulder injury and exposure was even more limited due to COVID.
Johanningsmeier plays running back for his high school team but looks to transition to either tight end or defensive end in college.
"I’d describe myself as a heavy hitter and good speed for being my size at running back," Johanningsmeier said. He has the proof the back that up, posting a 4.7 forty yard dash time at a Michigan State camp. Johanningsmeier not only has speed, he has hops too, going to the State finals for track in the high jump.
Johanningsmeier doesn't plan to take any more visits.
"I wanted to make sure when I committed that I knew I wanted to go there 100 percent and I do."
Dillon Moore was the second player of the day to commit to the Broncos. Moore, a 6-foot-3 athlete from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, has the ability to play either offensive or defense. I think his skills best translate to the linebacker position.
The Broncos were early to offer Moore, who committed shortly after his visit.
"During the visit it felt like a real family atmosphere. Both my parents and I felt really comfortable with the coaches," Moore said. "After talking it over with my parents the day after my visit, we knew that WMU was the right place for me to grow as a player and a person. I am looking forward to having an awesome senior season and getting to work at WMU."
A few days later the Broncos locked up their quarterback for the 2022 class with a commitment from David Dallas.
Dallas, a 6-foot gunslinger from Trinity Christian School in Sharpsburg, Georgia had great things to say about WMU.
"I absolutely fell in love with Kalamazoo, the staff and the university as a whole. It felt like home the moment I got there. It’s a beautiful place and everyone has big expectations for what the program can and will be," Dallas said. "Me and Coach Lester connected extremely well and honestly, I just can’t wait to get started over there. They have some absolute ballers over there. Kaleb Eleby is a stud and I can’t wait to learn from him as well."
Dallas also had offers from the likes of Liberty, Wake Forest, UAB, Toledo, Navy, Army and several others, as well as offers from a few Ivy league schools. He would have had many other offers but Dallas feels like schools overlooked him due to one factor in particular.
"A lot of schools were concerned about my height or certain little things like that. They didn’t know if 5-foot-11 could translate but they're completely wrong. Guys like Baker Mayfield, Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have done it," Dallas said. "Not quite sure why those colleges were super concerned about it but I’m absolutely fired up to have the opportunity at Western. I just use all of that as motivation to push me harder. Playing in the NFL is my dream and Coach Lester and Coach Evans helping me achieve that is all I could ever ask for. I’m fired up to be a Bronco and win big games and MAC championships."
Along with using doubt to fuel him, Dallas also believes he has the skills to be a successful quarterback in college and beyond.
"I feel like I’m a very very accurate passer and can make quick decisions on the fly. I love the pressure moments and am a high energy player. I love to compare my game similar to Baker Mayfield. I play with energy and intensity. I love to have fun and compete any opportunity I get," Dallas said. "I believe myself to be a leader as well and make sure everyone knows it’s not about my individual stats or goals. It’s about the team and ultimate goal which is a W every time we get on the field."
That same day, another commitment came from Brandon Smith, a 6-foot-4 athlete from Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis. Smith also had offers from the likes of the University of Findlay, Toledo, Northern Illinois and Air Force and spoke on why he chose the Broncos.
"They (WMU) have everything I’m looking for. To start off, I'm from Indianapolis and I wanted to stay close to home just because I’ve never really been away from my family and I’ve always dreamed of playing D1 no matter if it was basketball or football because I love both sports," Smith said. "What really made me make a decision so fast was the relationship I have with the coaching staff and how welcoming they are. I can call any coach from the WMU staff right now and just talk to them like we’re family. (Also) going to school for free would put me ahead in life without having to worry about being in debt because nobody wants to be in debt their entire life."
One of Smith's greatest strengths is how quick he is at his size and how well he uses his hands for blocking. His athleticism also allows him the ability to play either side of the ball and could excel on either offense or defense.
"Coach Kenney told me that with my build and athleticism and the way I play, I could play anywhere on the line. When I attended the camp I played both right and left tackle," Smith said. "I play both now but I’ll be on offense at WMU. They had me play defensive end and defensive tackle at the camp too. They just put me everywhere and I could tell that they were impressed with what I brought to the table."
Smith's lack of offers partly comes due to his lack of playing experience but he's rising fast.
"I was a late bloomer. Didn’t play high school football until my sophomore year and didn’t play varsity until my junior year. I had to work every single day to be the best me possible."
The last commitment of the week came from Saveon Brown, a 6-foot safety from Thornwood High School in South Holland, Ill. Brown had offers from the likes of Iowa State, Akron, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa and Tennessee- Martin. More offers likely would have come for the talented defensive back but Brown said he was injured last season and only played in two games. Illinois also pushed their football season back to the spring, making it difficult after the injury for Brown to attend camps.
Brown is versatile playmaker, who was clocked running a 4.49 forty yard dash. He spoke on why he chose the Broncos.
"They showed so much love and I liked how they ran the defense and how they think I can play both safety positions," Brown said.
