ONTARIO — Bronson Krull’s recently-concluded recruiting visit included a lesson in college football history.
Ontario’s imposing defensive end, Krull verbally committed to Yale University on Monday after visiting the New Haven, Conn., campus over the weekend.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Krull is joining the second winningest program in the country. The Ivy League school began playing football in 1872 and has 884 all time wins, second only to Michigan (915). The program has produced 28 college football hall of fame inductees.
“Isn’t that crazy?” Krull asked. “I’m not a Yale football expert, but I found out on my visit that I’ll be a part of the 143rd football team at Yale. The father of American football (Walter Camp) played and coached there. It’s a program with so much tradition.
“I was considering a couple other Ivy League schools and some Mid-American Conference schools but when I took my visit I felt like I fit right in at Yale both academically and athletically.”
Juggling football and an Ivy League course load will present another set of challenges for Krull, who carries a 3.8 grade point average according to coach Scott Kreger.
“It was something we talked about during my visit. The support system at Yale is really helpful,” Krull said. “The professors are good about working with athletes.”
The Bulldogs were 8-2 overall and 5-2 in the Ivy League last season, including a loss to Harvard in the regular season finale. The rivalry dates to 1875 and is among the oldest in the country (Yale leads the series 65-58-8).
“Yale is getting a good one,” Kreger said. “With his ability and work ethic, I have no doubt he can play Division I football.
“I’ll be excited to see what he can do once he’s getting individual coaching on just one side of the ball.”
A special mention All-Ohio selection, Krull was a two-way lineman for Ontario. He starred on defense, where he made 84 tackles and 10 tackles for loss last fall. He had 73 tackles as a junior and 74 as a sophomore.
“Bronson is extremely coachable. He was a delight to watch play,” Kreger said. “He still has some things to work on before he gets there, but I have no doubt he will continue to get better before he leaves for Yale.”
His learning curve will be a short one.
“With the type of defensive system they run, they want to have four fresh defensive linemen,” Krull said. “They said I can come in and contribute right away.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. I get to play college football and I will get an education that will set me up for life.”
