PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Area athletes signed National Letters of Intent on the first day of the December signing period on Wednesday.
Two area football stars signed Division I letters. Normal West multi-sport star Corey Walker signed with Western Michigan University football. Walker, who plays basketball and football, is a tight end and defensive end.
“I know I’m blessed and I’m happy that I am able to go to college all paid for, it’s a blessing,” walker said. “Just signing that paper was just excitement and a little bit of shock, too.”
Walker joins his brother Jordan at Western Michigan. His older brother is a member of the WMU soccer team.
Peoria High senior Dionysius Hogan signed with Northern Iowa University football. Hogan, who also plays football and basketball, will be a wide receiver at UNI
“It’s definitely a dream come true. This has been the goal,” Hogan said. “Even if I was going to be a D-End, corner or safety. The goal, was to go Division 1. First one in my family to go D-1. A university, full ride, everything paid for. That’s the goal.”
A local basketball standout also signed Wednesday. Luke Braman, a 6-9 center who helped lead Roanoke-Benson to the class 1A state tournament in march, signed to play at Olivet Nazarene University.
“Faith is one of the big things for me and it really helped with my decision,” Braman said. “And just their play style, I love how they play. They play with a big guy, they throw the ball inside and I felt like I could be there.”
