North Myrtle Beach is sending its prized recruit to the nation's northern reaches for the second straight year. Standout corner Jermaine Vereen has committed to Western Michigan, a 2008 bowl participant and member of the Mid-American Conference, joining 2007 Chiefs standout Ryan Quigley (Boston College) in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Vereen chose the Broncos over MAC rival Northern Illinois, FCS schools Maine, Stony Brook, S.C. State, Georgia State, Charleston Southern and Division II Newberry. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Vereen, who has 4.51 speed, was being recruited as an athlete by many schools, but the Broncos plan to use him in the secondary.
``I felt like when I visited it was the best fit,'' said Vereen, who took an official visit to Western Michigan's Kalamazoo campus last weekend. ``I got along great with the players and coaches.''
Vereen said he initially had concerns about playing in such a cold climate, but his mom convinced him that it shouldn't effect his decision.
``It's something I'll have to get used to,'' he said.
Opposing offenses shied away from Vereen this season, but he still had three interceptions and two forced fumbles. He scored 14 touchdowns this year: seven rushing, five receiving, one on a kickoff return and one on an interception. He rushed 86 times for 638 yards and caught 24 passes for 296 yards.
