Westlake linebacker commits to Hawkeyes
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Eddie Dwyer
Plain Dealer Reporter
Westlake High's B. J. Travers, regarded by many recruiters and preseason publications as the top middle linebacker in Ohio, has accepted a football scholarship from the University of Iowa.
Travers plans to sign a national letter of intent with the Hawkeyes during the NCAA's signing period in February.
"I was impressed with just about everything out there," said Travers, who visited Iowa this week. "It's a great campus and the coaches are incredible. It reminded me a lot of our program, in the sense of how they run things."
Travers becomes the second standout from the Southwestern Conference to give a commitment to the Big Ten Hawkeyes. Avon Lake's gifted wideout/defensive back Trey Stross said yes to Iowa last month.
One of the most coveted players in the Midwest, the 6-1, 243-pound Travers said Iowa stood above the rest of the universities on his impressive recruiting list. That list included Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Maryland, Indiana, Penn State, Ohio State, Syracuse and Associated Press national champion Southern California.
"It's a great place, but it just wasn't for me," said Travers, who recently visited USC.
Last season, Travers set a Westlake record by making 194 tackles, including 13 behind the line of scrimmage. He also broke up seven passes, caused two fumbles and recovered two fumbles. He had 21 tackles in a 10-6 victory over Midview and 21 stops in a 19-14 victory over North Olmsted.
Demons head coach Ron Johnson said Iowa is great fit for Travers' talents.
He also praised his standout linebacker for doing his homework during the recruiting process and evaluating Iowa academically, athletically and socially
