Hofstetter headed to Western Illinois

Now that his college decision has been made, Cory Hofstetter has some advice for the area's top sophomores and juniors.

Hofstetter, a senior defensive end who had 8 sacks this year for Class 7A runner-up Geneva, committed to Western Illinois.

Hofstetter took his official visit to Macomb this weekend, then had Northern Illinois at his home Sunday. When the Huskies offered him a chance to walk-on, Hofstetter decided to take the Leathernecks' offer of a three-quarters scholarship plus books.

And while that is all very good news for Hofstetter, who will move from defensive end to tight end at Western, he's almost just as glad to have the entire recruiting process behind him.

"All and all it was pretty stressful," Hofstetter said. "Looking back it was pretty fun but the last couple weeks (were hard). My dad did a lot of work with me. I always had a lot of people asking, where are you going to go, lots of things to get done.

"There's a lot of stuff you have to do to get recruited. Sophomores and juniors, make sure all your grades, your transcripts are in order. Get films out, contact the coaches. After your junior season go to as many camps. It's on and on."

Hofstetter earned one honor after another following Geneva's 13-1 season. He was the Western Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Year, a Class 7A All-State selection and a member of the Daily Herald All-Area team.

"He grew up both physically and especially mentally this season," Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. "He understood that by playing his position we'd be much stronger and he was able to take the team to another level. In that mind frame he was able to take over games from the outside edge because of his discipline."

The 6-foot-4 Hofstetter is excited about going to Western, who started its season last year by nearly winning at Arkansas, The Razorbacks escaped with a late rally for a 28-24 win.

The Leathernecks finished 6-5, ranked No. 23 in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision. They play in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Hofstetter is looking forward to playing tight end. He did get that chance on occasion near the goal line for Wicinski.

"Some schools wanted me to play tight end, some defensive tackle, some wanted me to play o-line," Hofstetter said. "I just kind of listened. I didn't want to rule anything out. I feel most comfortable playing defensive end and tight end. I'm glad I get to try something new in college."

Hofstetter will major in kinesiology. He eventually wants to teach and coach at the high school level.

Hofstetter also said he is two weeks ahead of schedule in rehabbing from his right shoulder surgery. He hopes to be back for the start of the baseball season.