Big group of high school football recruits attend Central-Western game
High school recruits stand on the sidelines and watch the CMU Chippewas warm up before their game against Western Michigan University on Oct. 1 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Among the 30,411 fans at Kelly/Shorts Stadium during Central Michigan football's game against Western Michigan on Saturday night were some high-profile high school recruits.
Players from across the Midwest made the trip to Mount Pleasant for their official recruiting visits, getting a taste of what CMU has to offer academically and athletically.
The recruits arrived in Mount Pleasant on Saturday morning and spent the day learning about the school, meeting coaches and players in the locker room and with academic advisers in the classroom.
One of the more significant visitors was quarterback Bryce Bearss, a 2018 recruit from Millington. Bryce Bearss was visiting with his father, Rogers Bearss, who played safety at CMU from 1983-1987.
Following in his father's footsteps would be “cool,” Bearss said, but he is keeping his options open. He visited Michigan State earlier this season.
“My family has always had a history at CMU," he said. "I will definitely be looking at them when making my decision sometime next summer."
Bearss said he was hoping to talk with senior quarterback Cooper Rush after the game. Bearss has a relationship with Rush's high school head coach Jim Ahern and said he's impressed by Rush’s collegiate success.
Roger Bearss played under head coach Herb Deromedi and was teammates with current head coach John Bonamego. He said the Central-Western rivalry is “huge” and takes pride in having never lost to the Broncos.
Roger Bearss said he would be excited if his son went to CMU, but wants him to make his own decision.
“It would be great if he gets the opportunity," Roger Bearss said. "CMU has such a family atmosphere and down to earth atmosphere. Can't say enough about the job Deromedi did and what he meant to the program, and I can say the same about Bonamego also.”
Offensive guard/center Marcus Greer, a 2018 recruit from St. Louis said CMU is the top school on his list and feels comfortable with the coaches.
“I love this school so much,” Greer said. “It is such a great environment and the coaches are so welcoming.”
The 6-foot-3, 295-pound prospect has one other scholarship offer from Louisiana Tech and will take visits to Iowa, Missouri and Michigan State later this season.
Kicker Jake Townsley, a possible transfer who played his high school football in the talent-rich Detroit Catholic League Central Division, played one season at Northwood University and attends a community college in Buffalo, New York.
Townsley said the size and atmosphere of Kelly/Shorts Stadium was impressive and he could picture himself playing there next season.
“At (Warren De La Salle Collegiate), we played in front of 6,000-7,000 fans every game," he said. "At Northwood it wasn’t close to that. I want to go back to those big games again.”
Townsley is considering CMU along with other Mid-American Conference schools Northern Illinois and Bowling Green.
Central Michigan has 17 recruits committed for 2017 but none in the 2018 class, according to 247sports.com.
The Chippewas lost to the Broncos 49-10 and fell to 3-2 on the season. They host Ball State at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday for Central Michigan's homecoming.
