November 27, 2007

Michigan Preps Staff
After rushing for 1700 yards and 25 TDs this season, Flint Southwestern's Mark Ingram is in an absolutely perfect recruiting position. Part 1 of this 2-part feature on Ingram will focus on recruiting and his upcoming visit to Michigan State. Part 2 will include more information about the season and his new home at Flint Southwestern.

This weekend, Mark will take his official visit to Michigan State along with every other Spartan commit and several other recruits. The commits who will be in attendance include:
? Charles Burrell of Detroit Southeastern High School
? John Deyo of Gull Lake High School
? Tyler Hoover of Novi High School
? Keshawn Martin of Westland John Glenn High School
? Ethan Ruhland of Lake Orion High School
? Fred Smith of Detroit Southeastern High School
? Myles White of Livonia Stevenson High School

"I actually got off the phone with Charles Burrell," mentioned Ingram. "We talked for a while, but this weekend didn't even really come up. Nobody is trying to pressure me into going anywhere. We just talked about the season and school."

Michigan commit Mike Martin is also rumored to be in attendance this weekend. "I don't know Mike" said Ingram "but I have heard that some of the Michigan guys are looking other places now that Coach Carr retired.

Like many other schools, the Spartan coaching staff has definitely been putting their work in, trying to earn the trust and respect of Mark. "I know most of the coaches at MSU ? Enos, Barnett, Dantonio, Treadwell, Narduzzi ? they're all really cool. Good people."

MSU will be Mark's second official visit; his first was to Wisconsin. He also has trips planned for Iowa on Dec. 7th and Illinois on Dec. 14th. "Right now, Big 10 schools are my top picks. Those four are my top choices."

Although Mark's father played in green & white, not even he is pressuring Mark. "My parents are letting me make my decision for myself, and they aren't pushing me to go anywhere. Of course, they are asking some questions during the in-home visits, but they're letting me make up my mind."

So far this week, Illinois and Wisconsin coaches have been to his house, and MSU and Iowa coaches are schedule for visits in the Ingram's family room later this week. "I like the in-home visits because it's a lot more laid back and you can just talk to the coaches about everything. It's just not as uptight, and it's nice to have the whole family there."

And while his family chips in with a few questions for every coach, Mark is focused on a few specific topics. "First, I look at academics and the support services they offer. My parents always ask about graduation rates for the football programs, which is important. I also look at the other players and coaches to see what kind of fit there is. And, I look at what kind of opportunity there is for me to play early. I ask every coach what kind of plan they have for me to play early because that's important to me."

The next few weeks will be a whirlwind of recruiting now that college coaches can begin in-home and in-school visits. Mark's trip to Michigan State will certainly be an important step toward making his decision.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this feature with Mark Ingram where we'll discuss his transition to a new school this year, the ups and downs of their season and what he's doing to prepare for next year.