Kyle Neddenriep

IndyStar

When Indiana offered him a scholarship in September, Britt Beery already had a good feeling about the Hoosiers.

On Sunday night, the Carmel junior defensive lineman told Indiana coach Kevin Wilson that he was ready to commit.

“This process has been going on for a year now,” Beery said. “(Wilson) told me to use the time to develop a relationship with the coaches. I feel like I’ve done that. I feel very comfortable with the coaching staff.”

Beery, a 6-7, 250-pound defensive end, committed while on a visit to Bloomington. Beery is rated as a three-star recruit by 247sports and is the No. 7-ranked in-state prospect in the 2017 class. He joins Avon’s Bryant Fitzgerald, a running back and linebacker, as in-state recruits for Indiana.

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“There were so many factors that played a part in my commitment,” Beery said. “The energy and excitement around the program is what sparked my interest the most. I’m really impressed with the players they are attracting. It feels like IU football is on the rise.”

Beery said he’s had his mind set on Indiana “for a few weeks now.” He’s close with Carmel grad Shawn Heffern, who was a senior defensive tackle last fall, and former Carmel star Isaac James, who will be a redshirt freshman for the Hoosiers next season.

The coaches have told Beery he could play either on the interior of the line or defensive end, depending on how he develops. He also had offers from Ball State, Miami (Ohio), New Mexico and Syracuse and interest from a number of others, including Purdue, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Vanderbilt and Wisconsin.

Beery is a forward on Carmel’s basketball team, which will play in the Class 4A regional Saturday against McCutcheon at Logansport.

Call IndyStar reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649. Follow him on Twitter: @KyleNeddenriep.

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