Recruiting: Everett Champlin celebrates birthday with Army commitment

Everett Champlin’s Army football commitment took on an additional meaning Monday.

Champlin, an interior offensive lineman from The Woodlands, Texas, contacted Jeff Monken on his 18th birthday to let Army’s coach know he was joining the Black Knights’ 2024 recruiting class. He was one of seven 2024 Army commits to announce their decisions on July 4.

“I wanted to announce on the 4th after I had a chance to personally speak with the other schools that I had offers from,” said Champlin, whose top four schools were Army, Air Force, Texas State and Montana State. “I made trips to my top four schools. Some that were just a couple of hours from home. Ultimately, the combination of an elite education, a high-level football program and the relationships with the coaching staff drove my final decision. I’m excited to join the brotherhood.”

Champlin made two weekend Army visits with his parents. The first trip gave Champlin, who is 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, a chance to check out Army’s post and “get a feel for West Point” in April. Champlin’s second West Point visit was on the team’s Knight on the Hudson recruiting event in June. He competed at Army’s prospect camp the following day and earned offensive lineman MVP for the class of 2024.

“I got to interact with lots of players and coaches,” said Champlin, who was also offered by Lafayette, Weber State, Brown, Cornell, Columbia, UPenn and Georgetown. “The second trip really propelled West Point into one of my top choices.”

Champlin said he brings “physicality, nastiness and the ability to finish off blocks” as an interior lineman. He’s worked on his strength out at Iron Will gym since the seventh grade.

There’s a strong military presence in Champlin’s family. Three of his great grandfathers were Army veterans.

Champlin has focused on only football recently but he used to play basketball and lacrosse. When not playing football, Champlin’s interests are fishing, hunting and grilling.

Support from his parents, Tom and Amy, has helped drive Champlin to his commitment, he said.

“They are a big part of who I am on and off the field,” Champlin said.