Beth Long’s football recruiting notebook

Just a week after Scout recruiting four-star defensive back Kenney Lyke of Fremd cut his list down to five schools, another added their name to his offer sheet — Notre Dame.

“This one is like a weight off my shoulders, you know. I have been trying to get this one done for a while,” Lyke said. “I like the traditions they have upheld for so many years and what it means to put on a Notre Dame helmet.”

The 6-2, 185-pound athlete narrowed his list to Michigan State, Ohio State, TCU, Baylor and Oregon a week ago. Although he isn’t sure exactly where the Irish fit into that top five because the offer is so new, he’s taken the time to visit campus and liked what he saw.

“I love the campus,” said Lyke. “From the buildings to the facilities themselves and the dorms. The coaches are great, they keep their word on what they say which gives me a huge trust advantage.”

Banks first two

The recruiting process has sped up for junior Evanston defensive back Travion Banks, who added his first two offers in the past week.

The 6-foot, 175-pound athlete knows that adding his first offer is one that he will not soon forget.

“It was really surreal to me,” said Banks. “I thought I was actually going to get my first one in the summer. It really caught me by surprise. So I was just surprised, blessed and ecstatic.”

For Banks, both are schools that he is very interested in.

“Bowling Green has a great defense. Also, they are a powerhouse in the MAC and will always have a chance to compete for the MAC title,” Banks said. “The coaches there are really close to the players and they are a close knit family.”

And he’s been to visit Miami Ohio.

“Campus is really nice,” said Banks. “The coaches and players have an unbelievalbe bond. Also, they are great academically and they will give you help as long as you want it. They area really building a program in all aspects. The renovations they are making are going to be really nice.”

Powell has two

Raby junior athlete Travis Powell now has offers from Western Michigan and Northern Illinois.

The first offer came from Western Michigan while Powell was on campus to check out the Broncos.

“When I visited the told me about the offer,” said Powell. “They are very hype and I like that in them. I love a hype school that has a good family system and has fun with each other.”

As for the campus, Powell liked that too.

“The field was great and I liked the atmosphere they were creating,” Powell said.

Powell also saw Northern when the Huskies added their name to his offer list.

“I like the campus at Northern. I found out about the offer at the school too,” Powell said.

The first two offers are a feeling that the 5-11, 160-pound defensive back and wide receiver won’t soon forget.

“I am just happy they offered me, it’s something good that I have accomplished,” Powell said.