Joey White for WVMetroNews.com
HAMBLETON, W. Va. – With college football’s National Signing Day now two months gone by, Tucker County senior and Robert Morris signee Eddie Kachmarek is looking ahead to his future with the Colonials.
“It’s really exciting. I’ve been working for this for a while now,” Kachmarek said. “It’s just a great feeling to finally get it done.”
Kachmarek had other offers from San Diego University, as well as walk-on offers from Marshall and James Madison, and garnered attention from many Ivy League programs.
“I was new to it, and didn’t have the best idea of what to do at first,” said Kachmarek. “But we got used to it really fast. We met some nice people and had some great experiences.”
Apart from being close to home and extended family, Kachmarek was attracted to Robert Morris for a variety of other reasons.
“After visiting with Robert Morris and talking with their coaches, it was the best fit for me by far,” said Kachmarek. “Free education, especially at a school like Robert Morris, will set me up in life beyond football in other aspects.”
Kachmarek will have the privilege of playing under former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman and Super Bowl champion John Banaszak, who brings a lot of experience to the table.
“He’s just a great guy. It’s a great feeling to even be around him,” said Kachmarek. “He’s got such a presence around him. He’s just very well spoken and you know that he knows what he’s talking about.”
At 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, Kachmarek comes into Robert Morris with a load of raw talent, but there are some things the coaches would like to see improved before he takes the field in a Colonials uniform.
“They liked my height – not as much my weight right now,” said Kachmarek. “I’ve got to put on a few pounds, but they liked my overall athletic ability and coachability.”
As for where he’ll line up next year, Kachmarek hopes to rush opposing quarterbacks just like his head coach did back in the day.
“I’d play anywhere I can to get on the field, but I’m preferably a defensive guy,” said Kachmarek. “I like the defensive end.
“It’s been great. I’ve had so much support from my friends, family, my coaches, and the community,” said Kachmarek. “Everyone showing so much interest has been great.”
Kachmarek was named to the Class A all-state second team defense this past season as the Mountain Lions finished a 3-7 overall campaign.
“It’s nice to just beat the odds and show that even though you’re from a small place you can do big things if you just work hard enough at it,” said Kachmarek. “I hope that sets an example for kids behind me, and what they can do at the same school.”