Zelinsky makes choice

 

Kyle Zelinsky is scheduled to make an official visit to Central Michigan today. Whomever plays host to the Bartlett star linebacker won't have to go out of his/her way to make it too special of a weekend, though. The Courier News Player of the Year verbally committed to attend CMU recently, spurning several other Division I scholarship offers. Zelinsky, who led the Hawks to a 12-1 record and a Class 8A state semifinal appearance last season, said he expects to sign with CMU on National Signing Day -- Feb. 4. It's definitely a program on the rise and I think they can crack the Top 25 in the coming years here, said Zelinsky, who visited the Mount Pleasant, Mich., campus in an unofficial capacity in late June. I just feel really lucky and fortunate to be in this position and feel great that this is happening for me. Zelinsky earned All-State and Upstate Eight Conference Defensive MVP honors for Bartlett last season, making a team-best 84 solo tackles, forcing four fumbles, making three sacks and intercepting one pass. Zelinsky, an accomplished student, finished his three-year varsity career with 211 solo tackles. He's excited and I think it's a good fit for him, said Bartlett coach Tom Meaney. Central Michigan finished 8-5 overall, 6-2 in the Mid-American Conference last season and lost 24-21 to Florida Atlantic in the Motor City Bowl. Chippewas offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian served as the main recruiter in landing Zelinsky, who bypassed offers from Ball State, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Akron and Air Force. It's good to have all the pressure off and not get the phone calls and everything, said Zelinsky. I know it's a business. Zelinsky said he plans on making a push for playing time at weakside linebacker immediately. Sophomore inside linebacker Nick Bellore is one of the top defensive players in the MAC and will hold that position for the time being. Whether I need to play special teams or whatever, I'll do it. I just want to get on the field, Zelinsky said. I'm going in there to compete; I like to compete. While Zelinsky is moving on, the time he spent with the Bartlett program is something to cherish. The Hawks set a school record for wins last season before bowing out to eventual state champion Maine South. We are such a tight group and we still talk about the season all the time, said Zelinsky. I think we created a name for Bartlett football. I just hope the classes behind us know that Bartlett can make a run in the playoffs and realize they can do it, too.

 

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