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A key cog in Bishop Luers’ 2007 Class 2A football state championship has made his college choice, while another standout might not be far behind.
Senior defensive back Lawrence Barnett committed to Indiana on Wednesday. Barnett said IU is looking at him as a cornerback and kick returner. Barnett chose the Hoosiers over Michigan State, with a scholarship offer imminent from Illinois.
“It came down to IU and Michigan State,” Barnett said. “I thought I would have a better opportunity at IU because by the time I would get up (to Michigan State) they would have two senior DBs, and they would already started. IU has one cornerback who is a senior, and he will be gone by the time I get there, and they are still trying to find the corner for the other side for this year.
“I would rather go to a college where I could compete for a position right away instead of competing for a position that is already taken. I didn’t see any use to wait.”
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Barnett is ranked No. 16 among the state’s recruits by Rivals.com. He helped the Knights to a 21-6 win over Heritage Christian in the 2A state finals. Barnett had a 28-yard interception return in the fourth quarter at the RCA Dome.
He is also the point guard for the 2A state championship boys basketball team.
Barnett’s teammate at Luers, senior linebacker Tyquan Hammock, is ranked No. 5 in the state by Rivals and said he hopes to make a decision by mid-September.
“It gives me enough time to take my officials (visits) and evaluate my pros and cons,” Hammock said.
Hammock has recently visited Michigan State, Minnesota, Iowa, IU, Purdue and is making a visit today to Michigan (which already has a commitment from Homestead senior linebacker Jordan Barnes). He has been offered scholarships by IU, Minnesota, Louisville and Michigan State.
Many believe Hammock would go to Minnesota, where his older brother Thomas is the recruiting coordinator. But Hammock said that hasn’t been the biggest rumor lately.
“The talk around here was that I was going to Michigan State, but I don’t know where they are hearing that from,” he said. “I don’t have a top five or a top three. I don’t have any favorites.”
The Luers teammates have also considered being college teammates.
Going to the same college probably is doubtful now that Barnett has committed to IU.
“I don’t know if Indiana is the right fit for me yet,” Hammock said. “I am going to look into it.”
gjones@jg.net
