With National Signing Day on the horizon, several Central Indiana Class of ’24 football players are seeing their recruiting heat up as of late.
Among those drawing serious attention are: Ben Davis outside linebacker Toreeq Oyesigi, Decatur Central defensive lineman Aaron Davis, and Noblesville linebacker Austin Hastings.
All three are narrowing their visits and decisions on where they will be playing in the upcoming season.
Oyesigi had a monster senior season, as Ben Davis captured the Class 6A state title. The 6-foot-1-inch, 215 pound senior finished with 115 total tackles, 93 solo stops, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 32 hurries, three interceptions, four pass deflections and a blocked punt that resulted in a safety.
“Recruiting has been going well. Ever since we came off our state championship win, I have been contacted and recruited by colleges in Indiana and the Midwest,” Oyesigi told Indiana Preps.
Oyesigi recently picked up an offer from Indiana Wesleyan University, and holds offers from Ohio Northern, Mount St. Joseph, Kentucky Wesleyan, Lincoln, Saint Francis and Mercyhurst, along with a PWO from Kent State.
“It is great to see. I have put in a lot of work in the offseason with my team and also by myself. My main goal was to win state. Everything with college will come later. I just had to be patient, but I knew to trust the process, knowing in due time, the opportunities would come,” he said of his recruiting.
As for what colleges have liked about Oyesigi’s game, he said he has heard coaches consistently talk about his versatility and football IQ.
“My ability to do everything in the defensive scheme makes me an important asset on any defense, along with my football IQ,” Oyesigi said.
Davis, who is a 6-foot-6-inch, 300 pound defensive lineman, helped the Hawks make it to the Class 5A state championship.
In his senior season, Davis amassed 63 tackles, 42 solo stops, two pass breakups, eight hurries and two sacks.
Davis picked up an offer from Marian University this week, and also holds offers from Saint Francis and Manchester.
“It feels pretty good. I worked pretty hard for it, so it feels better knowing that I’ve worked hard for it,” Davis said.
Davis said he will head to college with plenty of motivation to prove he belongs and can make plays.
“Next season will be my freshman year of college, and, probably, my best season yet. I just have to prove to all the people that I can play at the next level and still be dominant at the line of scrimmage,” Davis admitted.
As for Hastings, he finished the season with over 100 total tackles, three forced fumbles and averaged over 11 tackles a game.
Hastings has offers from Rose-Hulman and Knox and has generated interest outside of those two as well.
The Noblesville standout will take an official visit to Rose-Hulman this month and plans on making a decision shortly after.
All the players mention there are several things they are looking for in a school.
“Culture, coaching and education. Coming from Ben Davis, I know what it takes to win and to win well,” Oyesigi said.
For Davis, he is looking for a school with a strong business program.
“I want to play at a school and study business management in college. Any school with a good business program is okay with me,” said Davis, adding he believes he will sign Feb. 3.
Hastings added there are a few things he is looking for in a school, as well.
“A brotherhood, a team that is willing to do anything for each other. Also teammates that will challenge me to be the best player and teammate I can be. I am also looking for a school that can challenge me academically to prepare myself for my future career,” Hastings said.