Baylor School defensive tackle John Mackey has committed to Furman University and new Paladins coach Bruce Fowler.
“Furman has been on him since last spring, and that probably had something to do with him committing there,” Baylor coach Phil Massey said Thursday in confirming Mackey’s commitment. “I think he fell in love with the campus when he was there this past summer for a camp.”
It is expected that the 6-foot, 240-pounder will start out at defensive end.
“I think they have high expectations for him, and I think he can go and compete immediately for a starting job,” Massey said. “They didn’t rule out giving him a look, though, at fullback. Personally, I think [he’s best suited] to play with his hand down [defensive line]. You’re talking about a kid that’s power-cleaning 315 pounds. He has a lot of power and he’s very explosive.”
Mackey, who played running back in the Red Raiders’ goal-line offense, averaged 10 tackles and three lost-yardage hits per game this season after missing half of the 2009 season because of a thumb injury that required surgery.