Jake Bushelman’s football recruiting changed when Army first contacted the Gahanna Lincoln (Ohio) safety.
Bushelman knew about Army’s storied football program and the academy’s elite academic reputation. He was also informed about the meaning of military service. Three of Bushelman’s brothers had served including one currently in the Army and many other family members before them.
Once Army offered, Bushelman’s interest elevated to an extremely-high level. The Black Knights’ brand of hard-nosed football attracted Bushelman. Add in the opportunity to play at the next level with his high school teammate Jeremy McDowell.
Bushelman’s Army commitment was “almost a no-brainer,” he said. He informed Army coach Jeff Monken on a call last week.
“Ultimately, I felt that I would thrive in that sort of environment and under such a great staff,” said Bushelman, whose first FBS offer was from in-state Kent State.
Bushelman said McDowell’s Army commitment, which was made a few weeks earlier, played a “big role” in his decision. The two have been football teammates together since seventh grade, when McDowell, an offensive lineman, started playing the sport.
“The whole idea is just insane when you really think about it,” McDowell said of being college teammates with Bushelman. “I’ve played my whole football career with Jake and being able to continue that to the next level is great.
“Once we both got the offer, we definitely both talked about it. It wasn’t planned from the start but we are definitely happy it turned out this way.”
McDowell, like Bushelman, was drawn to Army by coaching staff and the opportunity to play FBS football.
“What stood out was the level of football I will be able to compete in and also the brotherhood that automatically comes with joining this team,” McDowell said. “The coaching staff also made me feel very comfortable.”
McDowell knew that Bushelman would love Army once he visited. And, he was right. Bushelman’s West Point trip was eye-opening and exceeded his expectations.
“I was stunned by how beautiful the campus was,” said Bushelman, who is 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. “I knew the football facility would be nice but even that blew me away.”
Bushelman is looking forward to play safety in coordinator Nate Woody’s defense. He believes it’s a “perfect fit” for him.
“I want to fly around and make plays and their defensive scheme seems to be tailored to that,” Bushelman said.
