Vode makes the call
Expressing confidence in choice, Hobart senior commits to Western Michigan
Hobart’s Zach Vode had intended to verbally commit during the 2020 season or after it.
But given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and his confidence in his choice, he decided not to delay any longer.
Vode, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound, pledged to play for Western Michigan.
“It’s a great place,” Vode said. “It’s pretty close to home, so my family can see me play. There’s good fishing and hunting up there. It’s a big stadium.
I just like everything about it.
“I just wanted to commit and secure my spot. I’m really excited about it.”
Vode last visited the Western Michigan campus right around the onset of the pandemic.
“I watched some practices, and I really liked the high tempo,” he said. “I just liked the way they did things. The coaches are great, and the guys are great. They’re all great people, and we all just got along.
“The coaches weren’t really high-pressure. They understand where I was coming from and what I was looking for. But they were excited when I committed. They started going crazy.”
Vode also considered Miami (Ohio) and Bowling Green among his top three choices. He had additional offers from Ball State, Central Michigan and Illinois State.
Valparaiso offensive lineman John Hofer committed to Western Michigan in March.
“Can’t wait to represent the Region in the zoo with Zach Vode!” Hofer tweeted. “Welcome to the family.”
Vode, an Indiana Football Coaches Association Junior All-State selection, has starred for Hobart as a safety and wide receiver. Also a standout highjumper, he projects primarily as a linebacker for the Broncos.
“They like that I’m big, long, have long arms, I’m decently fast and I’m aggressive,” Vode said. “I didn’t really care where I played — offense, defense, it really doesn’t matter. I just want to contribute.”
Vode contributed as a key player for the Brickies (11-3) last season as they reached a Class 4A semistate after winning their first regional title since 1996. He had six interceptions and 77 tackles and also had 43 catches for 737 yards and four touchdowns.
Vode has drawn additional motivation from Hobart’s 2924 semistate loss to East Noble. The Brickies let a double-digit lead slip away.
“We were up 17, and we kind of blew it,” he said. “We all remember what happened. Everyone’s been working and gotten bigger and stronger and faster. We’re really hungry after that loss.
“I just want to see the Bricks win a lot of games. We want to get that ring.”
Vode has liked the way the Brickies have looked as summer workouts have resumed amid the pandemic.
“It’s a little different, but it’s good to be out there,” he said. “You have to enter the stadium wearing a mask. You have to leave the stadium wearing a mask. We’re working separately in different groups. We can only be together for so much time. We have to space apart.
“It’s definitely weird. But we’re getting things done.”