Hoch Commits to the Chippewas

The Central Michigan University football team has had great success in recent years with its preferred walk-on program. The Chippewas have added another standout Michigan high school player who turned down Division II scholarship offers to walk-on at CMU.

The Traverse City (Mich.) Record-Eagle is reporting today that tight end Charlie Hoch of Elk Rapids (Mich.) High School has committed to Central Michigan University.

A 6-foot-4, 225-pounder who was named first team All-State this season by the Associated Press, Hoch will join the Chippewas as a preferred walk-on.

Hoch reported scholarship offers from three Division II schools but said he wanted to play Division I (Football Bowl Subdivision) football.

"That was the one big thing," Hoch told the Record-Eagle, "I pretty much had my heart set on going Division I."

This season, Hoch caught 39 passes for 815 yards to help lead Elk Rapids to a 7-2 record and berth in the state playoffs. On defense, he registered 45 tackles and three sacks.

Hoch said he was recruited primarily as a tight end, but the CMU coaches told him there's a possibility he might end up on the other side of the ball at defensive end.

"It doesn't bother me at all," Hoch told the Record-Eagle. "I'm guaranteed a spot on the team, so I'm not too worried. I'll work hard."