Class of 2013 recruiting update: Offense
Western Michigan's first commitment for the class of 2013 is in, as offensive tackle Ki-Jana Evans has pledged to play for Bill Cubit's program. This is only the start, though, of the long grind of putting together a solid class.
WMU's coaches headed out on recruiting trips this month, bringing back at least one commitment. Illinois is an important state this time around, as WMU expects to sign at least six offensive linemen and likely two to three more defensive linemen, and Illinois is well known for producing those players. Among the top targets for WMU in the trenches are Nick Severs and Tate Briggs of Illinois, with Briggs in particular strongly considering the Broncos.
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Three-star guard Nate Jeppesen of nearby Portage Central is still believed to be waiting on a Michigan State offer, though currently holds only MAC offers (WMU, Eastern and Central Michigan, Toledo). Jeppesen has indicated that MSU is his top school, but speaks highly of WMU and is likely to strongly consider the Broncos in lieu of Big Ten offers.
Another Michigan lineman with very high interest from WMU is Shelby Township's David Curle, who recently spoke with BroncoBlitz and may decide between bitter rivals Central and Western Michigan for his college career.
Outside of linemen, there are not a lot of spots available for offensive players in this class, leading to an emphasis on quality over quantity. WMU is expected to sign only one quarterback, with three-star Ohio quarterback Tommy Tupa and Tennessee product Brent Stockstill holding WMU's only current offers at the position. Stockstill in particular is believed to have high interest in coming to Kalamazoo.
WMU is well known for recruiting hard at wide receiver, but with the last two classes heavy at the position the Broncos will likely only take one to two wideouts for 2013. Matt Harris, Marquez Valdes, and Anthony Young are realistic targets for WMU who recently picked up offers. Among those still waiting for their Western Michigan offer, three-star Indiana wideout Isaac Griffith is one who is very high on WMU and likes the possibility of playing with his former quarterback, Zach Terrell.
At tight end, Pete Cender is the top target for the Broncos. Cender has impressed at camps this spring and recently called WMU his top MAC school.
Running back will be a top position of need for next year's recruiting cycle, but the Broncos have offered a trio of three-star prospects so far for this class. Tops on the list in terms of mutual interest is likely Berkley Edwards of Chelsea, Mich. Edwards does hold one Big Ten offer, from Minnesota, but is believed to prefer to stay closer to home and hasn't named a leader. Edwards recently ran a 4.32 at the Adidas Invitational.
You can view all of Western Michigan's known scholarship offers here.
Stay tuned to BroncoBlitz for updates on these players and much more.