Lawrence Central safety sees recruiting explode, commits to SEC program

Lawrence Central safety Errol Kerns III announced his commitment to Texas A&M on Friday following his official visit over the weekend.

“I really like the culture and the coaches up there,” Kerns III told IndyStar. “They really made me feel like it was going to be a great place for my next four years.”

Kerns III, who was previously committed to Miami (Ohio), saw his recruitment take off over the past three weeks, earning offers from the likes of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State and Texas A&M. Others included Illinois, Kentucky, Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin.

He attributed his recent recruiting explosion to his track times this spring. The 6-foot, 195-pound Kerns finished his junior season at Lawrence Central with 90 tackles (52 solo) with three interceptions, three forced fumbles, four tackles for loss. He was also a standout on special teams, averaging 28.5 yards on kickoff returns (one touchdown) and 18.0 yards on punt returns.

“I honestly think it was my track times,” Kerns said of his recruiting jump. “My (football) film has always been good. But the fact that I didn’t run track my sophomore year, I think they (football coaches) thought I was slow. After I posted those (track numbers), they saw I wasn’t.”

Kerns III had previously planned to take official visits to Michigan and IU.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter. And be sure to subscribe to our new IndyStarTV: Preps YouTube channel.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IHSAA football: Lawrence Central safety Errol Kerns III commits to SEC program