[Bernini]

Shumpert Making Big 10 Visit

7/30

After playing a big part in the success of the Hazelwood East Spartans championship run and displaying his athletic skills at camps with Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin, it is not surprising that WR/S prospect Don Shumpert 6`2" 185lbs (4.45 forty -39" vertical jump) continues to rise on the recruiting boards of major colleges.

Already holding offers from Minnesota,Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, Shumpert is hearing from more schools all the time. He updated me regarding his recruitment and talked about an upcoming visit he will be taking this weekend.

" Well, besides my offers from the Big 10 schools I already have, I am also hearing a lot from Arkansas, Kansas,Purdue, Missouri and Indiana." said Shumpert. " I will be making a visit to Minnesota this weekend with Christian Kirskey (Hazelwood East teammate) and Marquis Hill. Marquis and I have been friends for awhile from playing basketball and stuff. So we are all going up there together. I may be taking a visit to Iowa the first week of August."

Minnesota is a school that Shumpert seems to have a lot of interest in, so I asked what the draw was with them.

" They are the first school that offered me. I have been talking with them the longest. I communicate with Coach Cosgrove a lot and Coach Brewster. I have a good relationship with them."

Besides Minnesota and the other offers that he currently holds, there are two other schools who Shumpert appears to have a lot of interest in.

" I would say Missouri and Arkansas. I like Missouri because it's close to home. I like the offense they run. I have talked to Coach Ford a few times. I hear I am high on their board of prospects, so I think an offer from them may be possible."

Some of the schools recruiting Shumpert see him playing on offense while others are recruiting him as a defensive back. All definitely are recruiting him for his athleticism.

" It's split among the schools. Minnesota is recruiting me as a Free Safety. So is Wisconsin and I think Iowa. Illinois and Missouri like me as a Wide Receiver. Arkansas seems like it's as an athlete."

So does it matter with his recruitment what position he plays on the next level?

"No, sir. I don't care whether it's on offense or defense. I just want the chance to play and get a good education. The primary thing in picking a school for me is to have a good relationship with the coaches, the atmosphere and area along with academics. Also early playing time would be nice. I would like to play early if possible. "

There does not appear to be a definite timetable for a decision with Shumpert. He will likely take his time.

" The plan was to be able to make a decision before the season starts, but that probably isn't going to happen. I want to take my visits and compare schools. And then I might make a decision sometimes during the season after I have seen a few."

Shumpert is getting ready to defend his team state championship and looking forward to the season starting.

"We will be young in some spots but we have talent. The young guys are good. We have some good young guys on offense to go along with me, Walter Powell and E'lon Spight."

In 2008 Don Shumpert caught 16 passes for 237 yards and 3 TDs on offense while recroding 51 tackles with 3 INTs, 2 sacks and a fumble recovery.

We will continue to cover Shumpert and his recruitment during his senior season.