2020 OL/DL Jonathan Decker commits to Central Michigan football
During an Oct. 12 visit to Central Michigan, Elkhart (Indiana) Central 2020 defensive lineman Jonathan Decker picked up an offer from the Chippewas.
It was his first Division I Football Bowl Subdivision offer.
One day later, Decker committed to first-year coach Jim McElwain's program.
"I'm excited to become part of a program with traditions of success and family," Decker said.
The 6-foot-5, 251-pound lineman's only other offer was to Indiana State.
Even though Decker plays on both sides of the line for the Elkhart Central, CMU is currently trending toward using him on defense.
"When I sat down with coach in his office, he talked to me about which side of the ball I preferred," Decker said. "We are leaning toward defensive line, but it is entirely up to where they want to play me."
Decker began his relationship with running backs coach Cornell Jackson in the spring, and the two have been in constant conversation since then.
Jackson was at almost all of the football camps the lineman attended this summer.
Decker hasn't yet grown close with offensive line coach Mike Cummings or defensive line coach Justin Hinds.
"I met him at one of their football games, but I haven't made a relationship yet," Decker said of Cummings.
During Decker's trip to Mount Pleasant, he said he realized what was being built under McElwain. The Chippewas were just 1-11 in the 2018 season but are currently 4-3 overall this year.
"I loved the family atmosphere between all the coaches and players," Decker said. "The energy was amazing, and it isn't that far away (from home)."
However, Decker had no clue the offer was coming, but he was "hopeful" for good news from McElwain. His wishes came true.
"It was amazing to receive the offer because I've been working for this through my career," Decker said. "It's a goal fulfilled."
The senior said he has not yet been in contact with other members of the 2020 class, but he looks forward to doing so.
Decker is the 14th commit in CMU's 2020 class:
Germantown (Md.) Northwest 3-star ATH Aaron Beckwith
Jackson (Mich.) Lumen Christi 3-star OG Keegan Smith
Manitowoc (Wisc.) Lincoln 3-star TE Davis Heinzen
Parma (Mich.) Western 3-star QB Tyler Pape
Green Bay (Wisc.) Bay Port 3-star OG Braden Doyle
Irvington (N.J.) 3-star WR Zahir Swann
Honolulu (Hawaii) St. Louis 3-star LB Lawaia Brown
Pittsburgh (Pa.) North Hills 3-star OT Ronald Novosedliak
Arvada (Colo.) Pomona 3-star LB Kyle Moretti
Akron (Ohio) East 3-star WR Travon Walker
Bloomfield Hills (Mich.) WR Alec Ward
Columbus (Ind.) North TE Mitchel Collier
Charlestown (Ind.) RB Marion Lukes
Elkhart (Ind.) Central DL Jonathan Decker
