Kentucky FB makes decision
A chance to carry the football rather than tackle
opposing backs led to the college choice for one of the Bluegrass State's top
Advertisement
players.
"I've committed to Eastern Kentucky," said Lexington
Bryan Station standout
Markeith Gillis. "I like their
program, their winning tradition and the new coach (former Louisville assistant
Danny Hope).
"I also like the fact that they're going to let me come
in and play running back and not redshirt. That was very important to me. I had
a chance to go to some other places, but I wasn't sure they were going to let me
play running back. I didn't want to be a linebacker or defensive lineman. Coach
Hope says I'm the type of big back he's looking for in his offense."
Gillis (6-1, 245, 4.6) had offers from Miami (Ohio),
Western Kentucky and Tennessee Tech. He also had a previous offer from Kentucky,
but it was later withdrawn when he made it clear he did not want to play
defense. He was receiving interest from Louisville and Cincinnati as well.
He also pointed to the proximity to his home -- "My family is real excited they'll be able to see me play my games" -- and EKU's sports medicine program as key factors in his decision.
As a senior, Gillis rushed for approximately 700 yards.