Having over 40 collegiate scholarship offers and then trying to reduce that number in less half can’t be an easy thing to do, but Donovan McMillon was able to accomplish that task.
Friday, the star safety from Peters Township took a big step in recruitment by releasing his list of Top 15 schools.
McMillon announced that these are he schools that he’ll now be focusing on before making his final decision: Arizona State, Cincinnati, Duke, Iowa, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech.
Prior to releasing his list, McMillon talked to Pittsburgh Sports Now about why these programs made his initial cut.
Arizona State University: “With the combination of Head Coach Herman Edwards and Co-DC’s Antonio Pierce /Marvin Lewis, playing in that defensive system is a safety’s dream.”
Cincinnati: “Wrestling is my second love and this staff has a great respect for that. This is a program on the rise.”
Duke: “Playing in North Carolina has always been a dream of mine and Duke is a top-notch school academically.”
Iowa: “Blue collar, roll up your sleeves, tough and determined, etc. … that’s what you imagine when you see Iowa. I can see myself playing for Iowa City’s version of the Black N’ Gold.”
Louisville: “One of the scariest teams to play in the ACC, their staff has done a nice job explaining to me where I fit in defensively and I like it.”
Michigan: ” I still can’t believe Coach Harbaugh stopped in to Peters Township High School to offer me. Coach Brown’s defense plays with an edge and I’m all for that.”
Michigan State: “This program has always kept me on their radar and once Coach Tucker was hired, they pulled the trigger to offer me…..I’d have a chance to help the Green Machine rise back to the top of the Big 10.”
Northwestern: “Their academics are second to none and Coach Fitz runs a top notch program. The new facilities and colors are definitely a plus.”
Notre Dame: “From the day HC Kelly and his staff offered, they’ve treated me like family. I know that can be a part of the recruiting process but I feel like this staff genuinely cares about my well-being.”
Oklahoma: “Under HC Lincoln Riley and his staff you legitimately have a great chance to play for a national championship annually. I’d like to help create a new defensive culture out there: ‘They don’t score, they don’t win.'”
Penn State: “This is truly one of the places, if I could, play safety and wrestle. The storied traditions of their athletic programs makes you feel proud to wear the blue and white.”
Pitt: “Head coach Pat Narduzzi and his staff have pursued me since the beginning. They were my first Power 5 offer and the idea of playing for your hometown is very hard to pass up.”
Purdue: “I really like what HC Coach Brohm and his staff are doing in Indiana. The atmosphere was electric when I visited for the Nebraska home game win and I love what my role will be defensively.”
Texas A&M: “Playing in the SEC has always been one of my goals. HC Jimbo Fisher has success everywhere he goes. The chance to play in that warm weather in Texas would be awesome.”
Virginia Tech: “Three words: ENTER THE SANDMAN. Seriously, if the Hokies would’ve offered me on my visit vs. Wake Forest, I might’ve committed on the spot. Playing in Blacksburg, Va. is surreal.”
He knows Pitt has a DAMN good wrestling program too, right? Coach Gavin & Duzz need to tag team this recruitment and get it done. Seems a little similar to Terrelle Pryor’s recruitment.
It’s not really very feasible to play football and wrestle in college. Wrestling season is half over by the time football is done and then spring football starts in the middle of championships.
Recruiting is a lot like running for office. Feasibility isn’t always the most important factor…
Then Don’t! They need you!