Jackson Weingart has made a habit of running into Army tight ends coach Blake Powers at about every recruiting camp he attended.
Or, maybe it’s the other way around. Weingart spoke with Powers at the Kent State and Indy Mega camps along with his Cathedral (Ind.) High’s showcase.
The connection with Powers and Army linebackers coach John Loose was built so strong that Weingart decided to commit to the Black Knights Wednesday before his first West Point visit in late July. Weingart gave his verbal decision to Powers, Loose and head coach Jeff Monken.
“It (his commitment) meant a lot to me just knowing that I have a home for the future and having that environment to grow means so much,” said Weingart, who announced an offer from Army on June 14.
Weingart’s Army commitment continues a run of Cathedral players to West Point. Patrick Kendall, Weingart’s teammates, will be a defensive lineman at Army Prep this fall. Former Army tight end Zach Saum was a Cathedral grad.
“When Army first offered, I wasn’t that interested until I started to look into the school more and the more I learned about it, the more I feel in love with the school,” said Weingart, who will visit Army on July 28. “From the education to the history of football, it doesn’t compare. The brotherhood and the tradition is unmatched as well.”
Weingart, who placed seventh at 220 pounds in Indiana state wrestling championships as a sophomore, is being recruited to play inside linebacker for the Black Knights. He is the first Indiana commit of Army’s 2024 class.
It’s more than football for Weingart. One of his biggest influences is Ian Teal, his uncle. Teal was a captain in the Mariners.
“Serving this country would be a great honor and being able to means a lot,” Weingart said.
