Ian Cline has some Army military service in his family but the Providence (N.C.) Day School running back admits the thought of attending West Point was “a little out of my comfort zone at first.”
Cline had always heard great things about Army football and the academy. He confirmed that with two football visits, including the spring game. Army’s coaches, players and facilities passed the test.
All of Cline’s questions were answered. Cline, who scored 24 touchdowns last season, recently announced his commitment to Army. He called Army fullbacks coach Blake Powers with his decision on July 29.
“In the end, what made me make the decision to commit to Army is how good the football is, how the6 school is ran and the discipline that is implemented into every aspect of the school,” said Cline, whose grandfather and uncle both served in the Army. His grandfather is a Vietnam veteran. “I think playing at Army and being a part of that brotherhood is something that drew into that decision.”
An old Army football friend helped steer Cline in the Black Knights’ direction. Cline’s friend connected him with former Army defensive coordinator and current Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. Cline asked Bateman, Army’s defensive signal caller from 2014-18, about the West Point experience.
Army sees the 5-foot-9, 210-pound Cline, who picked the Black Knights over Elon, as a hybrid running back that can play fullback or in the slot. Cline averaged 10.6 per carry his junior year. He’s a team-first player.
“I owe a great deal of my success to a great team and an incredible line blocking for me,” Cline said. “We’re a balanced attack and also have great receivers and a quarterback.”6*
