Yesterday, offensive lineman Jake Donnellon announced his commitment to the Eastern Michigan Eagles via Twitter, their sixth commit. An Ypsilanti native that attends Father Gabriel Richard High School in neighboring Ann Arbor, Donnellon is very familiar with the program at EMU.
"It was a fairly easy decision," Donnellon told Hustle Belt. "I didn't start out thinking of Eastern as where I wanted to be because of their history, but once I got to meet with coach Creighton and the rest of the staff, it really changed my idea of what Eastern was. They don't have the greatest history, but I really think they're going to turn around and I want to be a part of that change."
EMU was the first to offer the 6-foot-5, 260 pound prospect and remains as Donnellon's only offer. Donnellon added that he's obviously not the biggest prospect, but what he may lack in size is made up for in his athleticism. "If they're running an up-tempo offense, I think I'll be a great fit because I can move and I can go down field play after play," he said.
"I have, as coach Creighton has told me, a mean streak. I can be very nice off the field, but once I'm on the field, I just want to knock heads. I'm not scared of hitting. I'm ready to make plays. "
Being close to home was a really big part of Donnellon's decision. Sure he has fond memories of sitting up in the stands and watching games at Rynearson Stadium with the rest of his teammates in on his local youth football teams, but that's not what did it for him.
"Another big part that made it easy: it's very local," Donnellon said. "My dad hasn't missed a game since I was in second grade, and I wouldn't want to leave him. I want my family to be able to go to my games." Donnellon also has siblings that go to EMU to continue their education. Being only a couple minutes away from campus helps with that situation.
Want to watch Donnellon in action? Check out his junior season highlights courtesy of Hudl: