IU kicks off 2021 class with commitment from in-state DE Rodney McGraw

Indiana’s first commitment in the 2020 class landed on Tuesday, and it was a big one. The No. 7 ranked prospect in-state, Elkhart Central defensive end Rodney McGraw, made a surprise announcement for the Hoosiers, giving head coach Tom Allen a strong start to the Hoosier's 2021 class.

HOW IT HAPPENED

McGraw took an unofficial visit to Michigan State this past weekend after receiving an offer from the Spartans earlier this month. He also made a return trip to Bloomington over the weekend that apparently solidified the northern Indiana’s decision. McGraw previously made unofficial visits to Michigan, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin, all of which also offered scholarships. The amount of early visits gave McGraw the confidence that he had found the right fit for his future.

IN HIS WORDS

“After visiting multiple schools and programs it kept coming back to Indiana feeling like the best place for me. I really like Coach (David) Ballou and Coach (Mark) Hagen and believe they can help me reach my full potential.”

RIVALS’ REACTION

The offers and attention for McGraw were still picking up coming off a strong junior campaign, and the timing of this commitment came as a surprise. It is a big additional to kick off Indiana’s class because it is an in-state prospect and the Hoosiers were able to fend off several other top Big Ten teams to keep McGraw at home. The raw potential McGraw has shown early in his prep career portends a big future, and if he is able to maximize that potential the northern Indiana product can play on Sundays. Key this off-season will be physical development of his 6-foot-6 frame.