Kimpler talks Redhawks choice

Libertyville (Ill.) senior defensive end recruit Ben Kimpler (6-foot-6, 217 pounds) made his college choice on Sunday and pledged to the Miami of Ohio Redhawks. Kimpler talks about his decision here.

"I committed today (Sunday) to Miami of Ohio," Kimpler said. "I narrowed it down to Miami and Western Michigan and I decided to commit to Miami of Ohio today. I'm just very excited about my decision and so is my family."

Kimpler talked about why he decided to pledge to the Miami Redhawks.

"It was just everything about Miami. They offer a great education, a football program that is on the rise and I would also play for some great coaches. Miami is putting together a great recruiting class and that also is exciting. Miami of Ohio offered me and recruited me as a defensive end while Western Michigan wanted me as a tight end and that was a bit of a factor. I had two great schools to decide from in the end and I'm just very happy and excited about my choice."

Kimpler also wanted to make his college choice now so that he can focus on his upcoming senior season.

"Some of the Big Ten schools wanted me to wait on making a decision but I was ready to end it now. I want to be completely focused on school and my senior season and didn't want recruiting to get in the way. Also several schools started to put some pressure on me to decide. I've seen other kids have offers pulled and I didn't want to miss out on some great offers and opportunities. I wanted to end my recruiting on my time table and it all worked out well for me in the end."

Kimpler also has been working hard on adding some much needed weight and size he will need at the college level.

"I've added nearly 30 pounds since the end of last season. It's been a combination of eating right and also finding my way to the weight room more often. I play three sports (football/basketball/baseball) and I just got into bad eating habits and didn't hit the weights as much as I should have to be honest. I'm on the right track now and I feel good."

Kimpler is also thrilled to have his recruiting process completed.

'It's a big stress reliever. Schools started to put pressure on and I can just relax a bit and get back to focusing on the season."

Kimpler is excited for his upcoming senior season.

"I'm ready for the season. We had great chemistry last season and we will need to bring that back this year. We have a few new faces but we also bring back a lot of kids this year."

Ben Kimpler is verbally committed to Miami of Ohio.