Pair of 2019 in-state recruits announce their pledge to Central Michigan football
Central Michigan football's recruiting efforts within the upcoming 2019 class has jumped another level thanks to the verbal commitments from two standouts last week.
Following the announcement of Montclair (NJ) running back Joshua Crawford, who became the first pledge on April 3, the Chippewas bolstered their in-state talent by adding Warren De La Salle offensive lineman Danny Motowski and Birmingham Brother Rice defensive end Max Saylor.
CMU right now has the third ranked 2019 class behind Miami (OH) and Toledo, according to 247Sports, as both commits are listed in the Top-51 overall from the state of Michigan.
Central Michigan Life caught up with both athletes to discuss their respected decisions.
CM Life: How does it feel to finally announce your commitment?
Motowski: It means that I'm officially shutting my recruitment down. And that I can focus on making myself a better football player and student, along with leading my team to another state title.
Saylor: It feels great to be committed to CMU. I'm excited to start this new chapter in my academic and football career.
Does it mean a little more knowing that you’re one of CMU’s first 2019 commits?
Motowski: I feel that being CMU's second commit and the first commit from Michigan will get the ball rolling even more in my area, along with out-of-state recruits.
Saylor: In a sense, it does. I believe it shows the coaching staff how serious I am about the program, because it's rather early to commit.
Why make the decision to commit right now?
Motowski: It was my gut feeling. I knew what I wanted and it was the right place for me.
Saylor: I committed now because I always knew I wanted to stay in Michigan and play at an elite program. I felt no other program fit me as well as CMU does. When visiting other colleges in Michigan, I felt none really stood out the way Central did, so to me, this decision was easy.
Did remaining in-state play a role in your decision?
Motowski: Definitely. I am only 2.5 hours away from home.
Saylor: Remaining in-state played a huge role in my commitment. Family is huge to me and my goal is to chase my dreams while my family is by my side.
What about the program or CMU in general that interested you the most?
Motowski: The thing that really caught my attention was coach Bono's commitment to this program. Him, along with all of the other coaches, take their jobs very personally and are in it for the long haul, which is very important to me. Another thing would be the smiles and the family atmosphere. I didn't just feel liked there, I felt loved.
Saylor: When I started my college search, the two most important things to me when it came to football was the coaching staff and the players. Right when I stepped on campus, the staff and players were very welcoming and all around great people. That's why I can't wait to learn from them and be apart of the program.
Do you have a relationship with the other two commits? If so, what have you guys discussed or talked about?
Motowski: I played against Max in the regular season. I have recently started communicated with both of them through social media the past few days discussing when we would be visiting next and what other kids have CMU at the top of their list. We all have a very common goal in making this team better and winning a MAC championship.
Saylor: Josh and Danny are great. We are already getting to know each other pretty well and Danny's team is my high school's rival so we get to have a little competition before we head up to camp in 2019.
What’s your relationship with coach Bono like? What about him stands out the most?
Motowski: It's a great relationship. I try to have a conversation with him once a week or so.
Saylor: My relationship with Coach Bono is great. I love how he coaches, you can tell the players respect and seek his leadership.
How many times did you visit before committing?
Motowski: I took a visit there my freshman year and I went on a Junior Day visit on Feb. 24th, which is when I got offered.
Saylor: I got offered on Junior Day which I loved but was still searching around. I then came up two months later to check out a practice and that's when I was hooked, the next day I committed.
Who else was showing interest?
Motowski: Michigan State, Boston College, West Virginia, Western Michigan, Toledo, Miami (OH).
Saylor: I was getting looks from all the MAC teams, Michigan State, Louisville and a few Patriot League teams.
Are you set to take part in any upcoming camps this summer?
Motowski: I am doing the Nike Opening along with all of the CMU camps.
Saylor: I'm not set to take part in any camps because I'm not seeking any exposure, but I'm sure I'll make my way up to CMU for a camp to work with the coaches.
Care to share an individual awards/honors that you’ve received so far?
Motowski: 1st team All-Catholic League.
Saylor: Not available.
Can you provide your measures: Height, weights, stats?
Motowski: 6-foot-2, 288 pounds, three-year varsity starter both sides of ball, 43 tackles, two forced fumbles.
Saylor: 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, no stats available.
