Over The Pylon

Each year we at OTP attempt to reach out to the incoming Cardinals to try and pull back the curtain a bit on the future of this program. Last season, we were fortunate to touch base with the likes of Connor Ryan, Zane Fakes, Kitt O’Brien, Jason Pinkston, Ethan Buckles, and Eric Williams, and this season, it begins again anew with the current group of recruits chomping at the bit to get into Cardinal and White.

Today’s guest in the OTP interview spotlight is none other than Keith Wenning, the 6’4″ 222 lb. QB from Coldwater (OH) High School, and someone most of Cardinal nation is looking toward as the future (if not the present) next big thing at BSU. Scout.com lists Wenning as a 2-star prospect, Rivals has him as a 3-star and both agree that Wenning is a prospect not to be ignored. Wenning certainly has made the pundits take notice as well, as Dave Berk, Midwest Recruiting Coordinator for Scout.com said of Wenning, “He’s got above average physical skills and may be the biggest sleeper in the Class of 2010 out of Ohio’s deep talent pool.” High praise for the incoming freshman, but after sitting down with Keith, we’re inclined to agree.

OverThePylon: Can you sort of recap your experience getting recruited to play Division 1 college football and which BSU coaches were your chief recruiters? What were some of the schools that showed major interest? What were the schools you considered heading to?
Keith Wenning: The recruiting process was fun and interesting talking with all different coaches. Coach Hood was my recruiting coach and was the one I talked to on a regular basis and met with him on some occasions, with coach Parrish and coach Lynch talking to them by phone on different occasions. Some schools that showed major interest were West Virginia, UCONN, Toledo, Cincinnati, and Air Force.

OTP: Everyone knows last season was a challenging one for the Cardinals. How does that motivate you going forward for success on the gridiron?
KW: Last year was a bit of a struggle but every season is a new season. That is great motivation because you want to be the best you can be and do anything to help your team be successful.

OTP: The QB slot for the Cardinals is a deep one, with Aaron Mershman, Kelly Page, and now you. Do you anticipate coming in and putting up a fight for playing time? Is redshirting something that’s being considered?
KW: The QB spot is going to be very competitive which will make it very interesting. I feel I am capable to compete for playing time. I was told redshirting was not going to happen with me.

OTP: Most that follow the Cardinals have labeled you as the potential gem of this class. Those that don’t know point to the smaller division of high school ball you played in as a reason to be pessimistic. How does dealing with folks who assume the worst and try to ding your talent motivate you to succeed?
KW: Well first off if you know anything about Division 5 and the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) you know it’s arguably the toughest conference in the state. I don’t think any questions about my talent would be asked if you saw me play with the great competition our high school team faces. Not to mention being ALL-STATE ALL-DIVISIONAL QB in Ohio, setting multiple quarterback records for the my high school and state, I don’t think anyone would “ding” my talent if they understood that.

OTP: At 6’4″, 225, you’re definitely the “prototypical” QB. What sort of QBs would you compare your game to? Any particular QB that you idolize or admire?
KW:I would compare my QB throwing to someone like a Peyton Manning. I can throw the ball all over the field with accuracy as well as decision making. My arm strength is something I was blessed with and allows me to thread the needle along with putting finesse on throws when needed. I would compare my QB running to someone like Tim Tebow. I am pretty quick and am capable of running at times and am not easily taken down. With both these players (Peyton and Tim) I’m not saying I’m as good as them by any means, just kind of comparing.

OTP: This incoming class is another in a long line of solid recruiting classes for the Cards. What are your thoughts about class chemistry? Have you been able to connect with many of your fellow future Cardinals?
KW: I think this class will be a very good and athletic class. Some coaches have said this is the best recruiting class they have ever had come in. I have talked to a couple guys by internet and through text such as Jack Tomlinson and Phil Dudley who are also on the offensive side of the ball, along with some current players as well.

OTP: What things are you considering majoring in at Ball State? Looking forward to the academic side of the house?
KW: I’m planning on going in undecided. I’m not sure what I want to do as of right now. I wish I could major in football. But for my first year I’ll be undecided.

OTP: Most of our readers know quite a bit about your football prowess on the field. Any hobbies or talents off the field that would surprise some folks?
KW: I also play baseball and basketball. I am a 4 year all conference player in baseball and a 2 year all conference player in basketball. I like any kind of competition and hanging with my friends. I like music all the time.

OTP: Anything to say to the Cardinals fans who will have the privilege of watching you over the next few years?
KW: I am excited to start the next step of football in my career at ball state and ready to get ball state back to the top.

Major league thanks and kudos to Keith for kicking off our OTP Recruit Interview Series for the 2010 season. And seriously, Stan… get President Gora to create a curriculum for a football major. If you want to succeed like the SEC, you have to educate like them as well.

Filed under: Ball State, Recruiting |