Norwin QB Jack Salopek commits to Western Michigan

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 9:57 AM

Call it a quarterback sneak.

Jack Salopek made a surprise commitment bright and early Thursday morning, but it wasn’t to the school many anticipated.

The strong-armed signal caller from Norwin opted for Western Michigan of the Mid-American Conference, choosing the Broncos over a slew of wide-ranging offers that initially included Pitt.

The junior’s other offers were Colgate, Brown, Lehigh, Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, Sacred Heart and Youngstown State.

He visited Western Michigan for a second time Wednesday and committed less than 24 hours later.

“I was always told that when you go somewhere, and you think to yourself that it’s the place for you, then why wait?” Salopek said. “And yesterday I realized WMU is the place for me.

“It’s just the type of people that WMU has. The coaches, players and other staff people’s values all lined up with my values. They create a family atmosphere where I can succeed not only as a player but as a person as well.”

I want to thank my family and coaches who have guided me throughout this recruiting process. I would not have been able to do it without their support. I am proud and honored to commit to Western Michigan University to further my academic and athletic career! #LETSRIDE20 pic.twitter.com/G6rCytjUBM

— Jack Salopek (@JackSalopek) May 16, 2019

The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Salopek completed 116 of 226 passes for 1,790 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, often scrambling to avoid pressure. He did the same when it came to popular opinion on where he should go.

Hometown boy. Hometown school. Why not Pitt?

There is more to that story.

Talks appeared to break down over time despite a steady back-and-forth between the Panthers and Salopek. Interest flamed out and, unfortunately for Salopek, so did the offer.

“I just didn’t feel as strong about Pitt as I did before,” Salopek said. “When coach (Mark) Whipple got there, he kind of decided to move in a different direction with recruiting quarterbacks. There is nothing wrong with that. He just wanted a different quarterback than me at this moment. I’ll wish Pitt the best of luck in their future.

“All I know is that WMU really wants me as a player and as a person, and I couldn’t be any happier going anywhere else.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin