Corsicana —
Mildred quarterback Nic Shimonek used to pick favorite sports seasonally. But as an eighth grader, football became the one.
On Thursday, the 6-4 junior committed to play quarterback at the University of Iowa.
“Obviously, I am super excited,” Shimonek said.
Oral commitments are non-binding. The first day recruits can sign is Feb. 6.
Shimonek completed 193 of 291 passes for 2,939 yards and 37 touchdowns last season as a junior, leading Mildred to its most successful season ever. The Eagles finished with a 13-1 record and a Class 2A Division II state semifinals appearance. They finished with the school’s first 10-0 regular season record, and were ranked in the Associated Press’ final Top 10 poll.
“I’m extremely excited for him,” Mildred coach Patrick Harvell said. “What a great opportunity to play college football at a nationally-known program.
“I’m going to do everything I can to see that he takes full advantage of the opportunity, and I have no doubt he will as well.”
Shimonek threw only three interceptions, including one on a Hail Mary into the end zone on the final play of 35-28 loss to Cisco in the semifinals.
He also had an offer from Lamar.
“Since about my eighth grade year, I started getting serious about (football),” Shimonek said. “Prior to that, during basketball season I wanted to be a professional basketball player. And during baseball, I wanted to be a professional baseball player.”
He still excels in both, having been named district MVP in basketball. Last Saturday, he threw a no-hitter in the Eagles’ 3-0 playoff win over Grandview.
Shimonek said one of the reason’s Iowa was high on his list was because the Hawkeyes run a pro-style offense. Also, his mother Tresa was born there, and he attended a family reunion there last summer.
He has not taken an official visit to Iowa, but plans to take an unofficial visit this summer.
Shimonek has slowly been picking up steam on recruiting service sites, and said he has been told by other recruits his commitment could lead to either more offers, or schools completely backing off of him.
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Nic's HUDL highlight video from MaxPreps.com:
http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/mildred-eagles-(corsicana,tx)/football-fall-11/hudl.htm
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