I want to thank every coach that has recruited me. After many long talks with my family and friends, I have decided to commit to The United States Naval Academy! #GoNavy #BlockersFamily @PJVolker @CoachORourke @CoachAIngram @boro_football_ pic.twitter.com/p3fRuxtT5E
— Matthew Appel (@MatthewAppel3) July 3, 2022
Appel is one of at least 15 area players from the class of 2023 who have committed to a Division I FBS school already.
He is the eighth from the GWOC, joining Wayne offensive linemen Joshua Padilla (Ohio State) and Evan Tengesdahl (Cincinnati), Northmont linebacker/defensive back Nigel Glover (Northwestern), Northmont receiver Javien Brownlee (Kent State), Miamisburg tight end Jackson McGohan (Cincinnati), Springfield linebacker Javian Norman (Eastern Michigan) and Centerville running back Emable Wakilongo (Bowling Green).
Members of the 2023 class can sign binding letters of intent in late December or wait until February to sign.
Springfield receiver Anthony Brown will join the group of commitments at the end of next week as the four-star receiver has announced his final five and a decision date. The area’s top-rated uncommitted player will announce his choice July 16 at SHS. The former Minnesota commit is down to Kentucky, Penn State, Cincinnati, Michigan and Oklahoma. Brown earned honorable mention All-Ohio last season as he and the Wildcats won the GWOC and advanced to the Division I state championship game, Brown led the conference with 822 yards receiving. Brown is the No. 1 receiver prospect in Ohio after he averaged 14.2 yards per catch with seven touchdowns.
After Brown, the next-highest-rated area player who has not committed is Ben Minich of Lakota West. A four-star “athlete” prospect, Minich is No. 18 in the state in the 247Sports Composite rankings, and his offers include Cincinnati, Duke, Wake Forest, Oklahoma and Stanford. Lakota West has two players already committed, both defensive backs headed to the Big Ten. Malik Hartford is headed to Ohio State while Joshua Fussell has committed to Northwestern.
Fairfield tight end James Thomas reported adding an offer from Liberty. He is a two-star prospect who also has offers from Akron, Army, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Eastern Kentucky and Toledo, among others. A pair of his fellow Indians have already committed: Brothers Jordan and Josiah Jackson will play their college ball at West Virginia.
David Afari, a Lakota West grad who started his career at Miami University, announced he is transferring to Northern Colorado. The 5-11, 190-pound running back played in 10 games for the RedHawks. He ran for 133 yards on 31 carries last season.
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