Farniok continuing the family tradition

BALTIMORE - Coming from South Dakota, some might think that four-star offensive lineman Matt Farniok would arrive at prestigious events such as the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge Presented by Under Armour intimidated by the big-name recruits in attendance.

However, because of a childhood that saw him grow up in a football-crazed family, Farniok is never overwhelmed by competition.

Farniok's two oldest siblings, Tom and Derek, have both made their name in the Big 12. Tom just graduated from Iowa State and has signed a free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings at center, while Derek will be a senior tackle at Oklahoma. On top of this, his father, Brad Farniok, was a lineman at St. Cloud State in the 1980s, his uncle, Bob Reeves, was a tight end at South Dakota State and his youngest brother, Will Farniok is a class of 2018 offensive lineman, who just recently received his first offer from Iowa.

"It really started to prepare me when my brothers started to go through the

process because when they started hearing from the top-end D-I schools I was

able to get a sniff of what real football at that level is like," Farniok said. "To know what is exaggerated by schools and what is truthful, it helps sort out some things."

Armed with that knowledge, Farniok has started exploring his options. He recently

traveled to California and took unofficial visits to check out the Stanford

Cardinal and California Golden Bears.

"It was fun," he said. "It was one of the only times I would be able to get out

to California. It was a good way to see both schools that were interested in me

and to see what they have there and what people are like."

There are no additional visits solidified for Farniok during the summer, but a few that are being considered are Nebraska, Michigan State and Florida State. Another school that may get a visit, which was a welcome recent addition to Farniok's offer list, is Michigan. Even before the offer, Farniok put on a Wolverines hat during the picture session in Baltimore, so the school is definitely on his mind.

Now with offers from coast-to-coast, Farniok was asked if distance from home would be a factor for him when it comes to a decision.

"Distance won't be a factor," he said. "My one brother was four hours away, my other brother was double the distance and I saw both of them the same. Distance to me isn't a main factor. It's more important to find a place to fit in."

Farniok plans to trim his list of schools by the end of the summer and visit his

group of finalists after the conclusion of his senior campaign. He expects to

make a final decision in the winter.

"I want to find a school where I fit in," he said, "where I get along with the

coaches and players, a place with a really strong football background and

finally a school with very good academics."

That Farniok has a plan set out for his recruitment should come as no surprise given the wealth of experience he can tap into with his brothers. He'll be in their position soon enough, as his younger brother Will is a name to watch for 2018.