By Geoff Mott
Sports Scene
NEW LOTHROP – Central Michigan University is getting the total package with New Lothrop senior Amari Coleman, a 5’11”, 180-pound receiver who has committed to the Chippewas’ 2014 recruiting class.
“He’s the best athlete I’ve ever coached,” New Lothrop coach Clint Galvas said. “He’s that rare, special player. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the combines over the summer and is very good at stop and go. He’s got great hands.”
Coleman’s versatility will help the Hornets this year, as they look to improve on a 10-1 finish from a year ago.
“He’s able to do a lot of things, and we can move him around,” Galvas said. “In the slot, in the backfield … that ability helps provide us with matchup problems for the other team.”
That versatility from the first team all-state selection resulted in 19 touchdowns on the 38 offensive touches that he had, scoring every other time he touched the ball. That big-play ability allowed him to break a school record with 24 yards per carry and another school record with 26 yards per reception. He’s also a playmaker on the defensive side, where he broke the school record as a sophomore with nine interceptions.
“He only had three interceptions last year, because he wasn’t tested that much,” Galvas said. “He also has great punt and kick return ability, and CMU really likes that. They offered him a defensive back spot, but also the prospects as a return specialist.”
Coleman has lost his quarterback, as Austin Newman graduated. But the Hornets are steady in the backfield. Josh Wendling is returning, and junior Ben Muron started at quarterback for two seasons at the junior varsity level.
“[Muron] did a great job down there,” Galvas said. “Newman was a pocket passer. Ben can you hurt you with his legs, but he also has a solid arm. We have our whole backfield back, and our top receiver, so he’s surrounded by experience.”
Central Michigan was the first school to show interest in Coleman, and when the 16-year-old verbally committed, the Chippewas had one of the youngest recruits on board.
“His body is still maturing, and he’s starting to hit the point where he’s still bulking up,” Galvas said. “He has a lot more room to grow and improve and get better. He’s the third-strongest kid on our team, and we have some big linemen up front. This kid is not afraid to lower his shoulder, and with that extra bulk, he’s kept his speed.”
Galvas thinks CMU is a perfect place for his top player.
“I think it’s a great fit,” Galvas said. “Central Michigan was there from the beginning, and that was a big deal to him. He visited them and fell in love with the complex and the coaching staff. He’ll fit right in, and it’s nice because committing to a college is something he wanted to get done with.
“We are all excited for him. He’s very deserving, because he’s done a lot of work to get there.”