Local Commit Talks Football

At 6-2 and 200 pounds, Harper Creek senior Derek Szafranski made a verbal commitment to the Broncos back in October. We caught up with him to find out why the Broncos were the choice and why he decided so early in the process. Not to mention the fact that two Ivy League schools were in the picture.

Szafranski took his official visit to Western on January 10th and was hosted by Jason Feldpausch.

"I really had a good time with Jason and he was a great guy to be around," said Szafranski. "I have been to Western quite a bit but I was surprised at how many places I didn't know existed as far as the campus stuff like housing."

Szafranski did have one thing on his visit that stood out as well.

"I just love the new indoor facility," said Szafranski. "It is going to be nice to train in when there is bad weather. It is a lot softer than the stadium turf too."

Szafranski says he is being recruited as either weak or free safety. He is working hard to make sure he is ready once he gets to campus. Szafranski has been training three days a week at Athlete's Corner in Oshtemo since last February.

"I've worked a lot with Scott Boyd there on my speed and flexibility," said Szafranski. "I've actually trimmed my 40 time from a 4.8 to a 4.5 so I'm happy with the results."

Szafranski also participates in track at Harper Creek where he runs the 100, 200, 4x100 and the long jump.

After camping at Penn State and visiting both Penn and Yale, what made Western the choice for him?

"When I first went to Western on an unofficial visit I just knew that was the place for me," said Szafranski. "The way they treated me and my mom and the respect they gave us just sold me. I think they offer the total package for me on and off the field. I just feel at home there."

Szafranski is a full academic qualifier with a 4.0 GPA and an ACT score of 23.