Like many high school football players in the Hoosier State, J.J. Knight, Connor Dotson and Eli Edwards had a goal of playing at the next level. 

And, now all three will see that goal become a reality, as all three recently announced their commitment to various college programs.

For Mooresville’s Knight, he has found a home at the University of Saint Francis, while Greenfield-Central’s Dotson is taking his game to Indiana Wesleyan and Eastern’s (Greentown) Edwards is headed to Ball State. 

All three said it felt “great” to be committed. 

For Knight, committing to USF has lifted the stress off his shoulders. 

“I don’t have to think about where I am going to be spending the next four years. I finally know where home is going to be. USF was set apart just because of how welcoming they were with me. Coach Sherman and the rest of the staff were the first ones to offer me a football scholarship. They were the first ones to believe in me,” Knight told Indiana Preps. 

Knight said he knew the first time he stepped foot on campus he had found his college home. 

“The first time I stepped on campus, everyone was so welcoming from the players to the coaches to the fans. On my official visit, I sat down with Coach Sherman and he told me they were offering me a full scholarship and it showed me how much they want me there. Growing up, my parents always told me if I wanted to go to college, I better earn a scholarship. Making my family proud, I knew I wanted to be at USF, so I committed right on the spot in Coach Sherman’s office,” said Knight, who was recruited as a cornerback. 

For Dotson, a lineman for the Cougars, the commitment to Indiana Wesleyan brought about an end to a “long process.”

“Indiana Wesleyan was set apart when they first invited me to campus my junior year. I went up there, loved the place and stayed in contact with Coach Lauck and Coach Jones through it all. I love what they are doing with the program and Coach Rode is a great guy and an even better coach. I am excited for what’s to come,” Dotson said. 

Dotson said had a few options to select from, as he also drew interest from the likes of DePauw, St. Francis, Marian and UIndy. 

“Most of the schools recruited me to play offensive tackle. It feels great. It’s definitely been rewarding to see that all the work put in ended up paying off in a big way in the end,” Dotson said. 

Edwards, who played quarterback and defensive end for the Comets, opted to stay close to home when he committed to Ball State. 

“It’s great because they are only an hour from home, which is great. I have had family go to Ball State, and it felt like a good fit. They have a great program for the degree I want, which is sports broadcasting,” Edwards said. 

Edwards said it is his hope to get on the field right away for the Cardinals. 

“I hope I can get on the field decently quick there,” he said. 

How concerned are they about making the jump to the next level?

Not at all. 

“I’m not too concerned. I grew up playing corner all my life and I am an athlete, so I know I have the ability to make the switch. I know I am now playing with grown men and better competition, so as long as I keep perfecting my craft and putting faith in God, I will have nothing to worry about,” Knight said. 

Dotson echoed those sentiments. 

“It’s not a huge concern of mine to go make the jump to the next level. I am excited and ready to get to work and better my skills at IWU,” he said.