BRUNKE STILL LOOKING FOR A COLLEGE

JACKSON -- Jackson High football coach Carl Gross is as surprised as anyone that Indian star Glen Brunke will not be putting his name on a Division I letter of intent when the signing period begins today.

Brunke, a 6-foot-2, 225-pounder, was one of the area's top running backs the past three seasons. He received plenty of recruiting interest from the likes of Missouri, Illinois and Vanderbilt.

But, said Gross, all of those colleges have backed off, leaving Brunke without a school right now.

"Missouri said they found another fullback they liked," said Gross. "Illinois and Vanderbilt both changed coaches and dropped Glen from their list.

"Everybody has backed off. Glen is devastated because everybody was recruiting him."

Gross said he is still hopeful that Brunke -- who is a solid student -- will land a college where he can play football and continue with his academics.

There is a possibility that Brunke will eventually wind up at Division I-AA Southeast Missouri State University, although college coaches are prohibited by NCAA rules from commenting on a recruit until they receive a signed letter of intent.

"Glen is a great kid and a heck of a running back," Gross said. "He might not look all that impressive on film, but he's a great football player. Some school is going to get a good one."