When word that Mike Hart was leaving Western Michigan for Syracuse reached Jo-El Shaw, it left him completely stunned.
The Woodland Hills running back committed to the Broncos in October largely because of his relationship with Hart, the former Michigan star who was their running backs coach.
“You tell kids they're picking the school, not the coach,” Woodland Hills coach George Novak said, “but that's really not how it works.”
With Hart gone, Shaw decided against going to Western Michigan and reopened his recruitment.
“I'm not mad at Coach Hart,” Shaw said. “He had to take the better job. That's his hometown, Syracuse, and his whole family is up there. I probably would have done the same thing.
“If Syracuse offers, I probably would go there because of my relationship with Coach Hart.”
Syracuse is one of a handful of schools — along with Indiana, Kansas, Temple and Tennessee — now showing interest in Shaw.
“I just know it was a difficult position I was in,” Shaw said. “I had to make a decision that was best for me. I feel like I'm back to where I'm started. I don't know where I want to go.”
Metro Index scouting director Joe Butler believes Shaw is one of the WPIAL's top available prospects because of his size and versatility.
“He's a great-looking physical specimen,” Butler said. “The reason why you've got to take a shot on him is he can play both sides of the ball.
“He can be a running back or inside linebacker. If he doesn't make it at one, he can make it at the other. He's a power back with good speed, moves and he's tough. I thought he was a steal for Western Michigan.”
Meantime, new Iowa State coach Matt Campbell has wasted no time stealing more WPIAL recruits.
Campbell won with Western Pennsylvania standouts at Toledo, so he's familiar with the region. The Cyclones have been actively recruiting top WPIAL prospects to the Big 12.
Iowa State received a commitment from McKeesport's Tymar Sutton and has offered juniors Kurt Hinish, Donovan Jeter and Lamont Wade.
“Campbell had success here when he was at Toledo, so whatever breeds success you might as well stay with it,” Butler said. “I'm surprised more schools don't come in here from that league, with WVU nearby.”
Surprisingly enough, Iowa State hardly recruited the WPIAL when former Pitt defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads was its coach.
While Campbell hasn't tried to flip Toledo recruits Ron George, James Jackson, Ronnie Jones, Billy Kisner or Nate Swart, maybe Iowa State will be next to take a shot at Shaw.
Kevin Gorman is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at kgorman@tribweb.com or via Twitter @KGorman_Trib.
