Football adds four walk-on commits to 2019 class
Class of 2019 long snapper Seth Steinacker poses for a portrait on his official visit to Central Michigan. (Photo Credit: Seth Steinacker / Twitter)
Since the end of the early signing period in December, the Central Michigan football team has inked four walk-on commits to the 2019 class.
The four pledges are Clarkston linebacker Brendan Barker, Riverview Gabriel Richard linebacker and running back Nevin Hughes, Brighton long snapper Seth Steinacker and Sand Creek running back Alec Muck.
Brendan Barker
Barker, a linebacker, was the first of the group to announce his commitment on Jan. 15. His other offers were from Siena Heights and Alma.
Ever since Barker was 8 years old, CMU was his dream school, he explained. His sister, Haley Barker, played volleyball for the Chippewas.
"I picked CMU because it’s in our (family) blood," Barker said. "My parents went there, my sister played volleyball there and my brother in law played football there."
Barker's brother-in-law is Nick Beamish, who played on the offensive line for CMU from 2011-15.
During his four years at Clarkston High School, Barker helped the Wolves to two-straight MHSAA Division I state championships in 2017 and 2018.
While mainly working as a linebacker, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound student-athlete also played fullback.
Nevin Hughes
Used as a linebacker and running back for Riverview Gabriel Richard High School, Hughes dropped his commitment to CMU on Jan. 26.
Hughes, on his visit to CMU on Jan. 26, picked up the walk-on offer and committed on the spot. He said the "home" feeling won him over.
"I chose Central because they have a great academic program, great football and a world-class coaching staff," Hughes said. "I feel at home whenever I'm on campus and am at peace with my decision."
The 6-foot, 208-pound prospect had other offers from Davenport, Northwood, Clark Atlanta, Norfolk State, Hampton and Morgan State.
Seth Steinacker
During an official visit on Jan. 26, Steinacker committed to CMU. He is ranked as the No. 2 long snapper in the nation, according to Kornblue Kicking.
The only long snapper rated higher is Sean Wracher, who is headed to Indiana.
Just like Hughes, Steinacker got a feeling of home while in Mount Pleasant.
"After visiting, I loved campus and the coaches," the 6-foot-4, 200-pound snapping specialist said. "It just felt like home."
Steinacker visited CMU on Oct. 13 for its game against Ball State, which the Chippewas lost. He was offered on Dec. 11 and accepted the preferred walk-on over a month later.
Concordia Ann Arbor was the only program to offer Steinacker before CMU got into the mix. New CMU special teams coordinator Ryan Beard was his primary recruiter.
Alec Muck
Muck was offered a preferred walk-on from CMU on Jan. 14 and made his commitment during an official visit on Jan. 26.
“I chose CMU because the staff is amazing. I feel like there are big things coming at CMU. After meeting the players, it just felt like home.”
During his four years at Sand Creek High School, the 5-foot-11, 173-pound prospect played running back, cornerback, kick returner, safety and wide receiver. In 2018, Muck carried the ball 190 times for 1,471 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Two Potential 2019 Scholarship Additions
CMU is currently making a push for two 2019 scholarship players – Sarasota (Florida) Booker defensive tackle Jacques Bristol and Westchester (Illinois) Montini Catholic defensive end Fred Stokes.
Bristol was offered by CMU on Dec. 13 and made an official visit to see the Chippewas on Jan. 26.
"I liked the whole coaching staff, and it's very welcoming," Bristol said. "It makes you feel like your home."
Stokes, on the other hand, took an official visit and picked up an offer from CMU on Jan. 26. He said he is ready to make a commitment and is heavily leaning toward McElwain's team.
"The people and place just really felt like home from day one at the campus," Stokes said.
Transfer Update
South Alabama offensive line graduate transfer Rowan Godwin is still interested in CMU, even after the departure of offensive line coach Derek Frazier to the NFL. Godwin has an official visit to Vanderbilt from Feb. 1-3.
