Published: July 17, 2008 11:21 pm            

Dorsett making new Indiana State friends

TERRE HAUTE — Brandon Dorsett will see plenty of strangers when he lines up for the Grange Insurance North-South All-Star Classic tonight at Indianapolis North Central High School.

He’ll see plenty of friends too.

At least they’re gradually becoming friends.

Dorsett, a 2008 graduate of Terre Haute North High School and wide receiver for the South squad in tonight’s 7:30 matchup sponsored by the Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA), is committed to continuing his football career at Indiana State University.

He’s not alone in that regard.

According to rosters provided by the IFCA, there are seven players (including Dorsett) on the South squad and three players on the North squad headed to ISU.

“I knew quite a few of them already,” Dorsett told the Tribune-Star on Thursday. “There’s some good talent coming in [to ISU]… I’ve made some friends.”

Other ISU-bound athletes on the South squad are defensive back Bo Gibson (6-0, 190, Perry Central); linebacker C.J. Cook (6-0, 240, Columbus North); linebacker Alex Jones (6-3, 220, Centerville); offensive lineman Justin Wood (6-4, 280, Center Grove); offensive lineman Casey Passwater (6-4, 295, Columbus North); and wide receiver Jared Blue (6-3, 198, Vincennes Lincoln).

Future Sycamores on the North squad are punter Taylor Richardson (6-2, 180, Northwestern); offensive lineman Mike Smith (6-3, 305, Penn); and defensive tackle Mike Palmer (6-6, 280, South Bend Riley).

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Dorsett said he’s been practicing with his temporary teammates at least twice a week since Sunday, including three times Monday.

So far, he’s been impressed with the talent he’s seen, but not intimidated.

“There’s some awesome guys here,” Dorsett admitted. “A lot of them are going [NCAA] Division I… I feel like I’m fitting in pretty well.”

Also representing the Wabash Valley on the South squad are DePauw-bound running back Michael Woodsmall (6-1, 195, North Central). Another DePauw-bound running back, Zach Clapp (5-11, 205, Rockville), was chosen for the South squad but won’t be able to play because of an injury.

Rockville coach Herb King will serve as an assistant for the South squad.

Head coaches are Derek Moyers of Pike for the South squad and Kevin Downey of South Bend St. Joseph’s for the North squad.

        

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