National Signing Day 2017: Avon 3-star ATH Bryant Fitzgerald signs with Indiana

Bryant Fitzgerald was the third recruit to commit to being a part of Indiana University’s 2017 recruiting class. In fact, Fitzgerald actually expressed his intent to attend IU over a year ago on January 23rd, 2016. Today, he’s signed on with the Hoosiers.

Fitzgerald committed at a time when the Indiana program had a completely different regime, yet his interest in the program hasn’t wavered. The Avon product kept his commitment to the Hoosiers when Tom Allen took the reigns after Kevin Wilson’s resignation last fall — and looks to be one of the Hoosiers’ best offseason additions.

HOW HE STACKS UP

According to 247 Sports, Fitzgerald is considered to be the 9th best player in the state of Indiana, and the 57th best athlete in the country.

After his Senior season at Avon where he had 107 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 814 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, Fitzgerald was labeled as the Indystar’s Mr. Football at the defensive back position.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR INDIANA

Fitzgerald’s status as an elite player in the state of Indiana is crucial to this program as Tom Allen looks to build IU’s recruiting presence among in-state recruits.

Fitzgerald is expected to be joined by five other top-20 recruits from the state of Indiana. That’s 6 more top-20 in-state recruits than Purdue expects to have.

Although Fitzgerald committed prior to Tom Allen’s arrival at the program, he oddly has the potential to be a perfect fit in Allen’s 4-2-5 defense moving forward.

At six feet tall and 200 pounds, Fitzgerald can play outside linebacker, defensive back, or maybe both. Don’t be surprised if Fitzgerald finds himself playing his fair share of Husky, filling in for Marcelino Ball whenever needed.