Bodtmann selects Maine
Shawn Bodtmann's tumultuous recruiting process has a happy ending after all.
The West Scranton senior football standout decided Wednesday night to accept a grant-in-aid package from the University of Maine.
It brings to a close months of frustration after the scholarship he had verbally accepted from the University of Nebraska last April had been rescinded in January.
"It's a huge weight off my shoulders," the 18-year-old Bodtmann said. "This process has been a lot more stressful than I wanted it to be."
One of the top recruits at his position in the state according to Rivals.com, Bodtmann is the 18th ranked player in Pennsylvania and is a three-star prospect.
At Maine, he is being considered as either a running back or a linebacker.
"Financially, it's the perfect situation, and I have a chance to play," Bodtmann said. "It's a pretty good deal.
"They are a winning football team. They are good academically. It's a win-win situation."
After being spurned by Nebraska, Bodtmann visited Maine, Western Carolina and Fordham.
He chose Maine, which is a member of the Football Championship Subdivision, the former Division I-AA. Last season, the Black Bears finished 8-5, losing in the first round of the NCAA playoffs.
"I really liked the team," Bodtmann said. "They were a really close group of guys. The coaches were great."
As a junior, Bodtmann played a major role in West Scranton winning the District 2 Class AAA championship, rushing for 1,452 yards with 22 touchdowns. His 4.58-second time in the 40-yard dash, size and strength, bench pressing 275 pounds, made him a sought-after recruit.
During his senior season, the 6-foot, 205-pounder battled injuries but still featured the bruising running style in gaining 389 yards with four touchdowns.
"I'm very happy for him," former West Scranton coach Michael DeAntona said. "Shawn is a great kid and he is a blue-collar kid. He comes to work every day with his lunch pail. He was a four-year starter for me. He had a great career at West Scranton and really made a name for himself.
"I think Shawn made a good choice, and we look forward to his success in the future."
Bodtmann found himself at the center of attention on National Letter of Intent signing day in February when Nebraska's last-minute decision to rescind his scholarship offer became highly publicized.
Now, he'll have his chance to play college football.
"What happened is in the past," Bodtmann said. "It's time to look forward."
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