Jackson's Vandeven gives Southeast Missouri State football a verbal commitment

Jackson senior quarterback Dante Vandeven will remain close to home for his college football career.

After mulling over an offer from Southeast Missouri State, the standout senior verbally committed to play for coach Tom Matukewicz on Monday.

"You know, I thought it would be a stressful kind of deal picking a college to go to, but it was really easy, especially with SEMO. It's just like home," Vandeven said. "Coach Tuke's amazing, and [offensive coordinator] coach [Sherard] Poteete over there is an awesome guy. I feel like that's the best place for me."

Verbal commitments are non-binding, and Vandeven can make it official on National Signing Day on Feb. 4. Matukewicz cannot comment on recruits, but Vandeven's commitment shows that he's sticking to his promise of recruiting locally.

Vandeven also received interest from Southern Illinois and Division II Central Missouri.

The senior has helped the Indians to a 7-1 record so far this season. He's thrown for 1,399 yards and 13 touchdowns this year with four interceptions and leads the team with 578 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.

As a junior he threw for 2,240 yards and 22 touchdowns with four interceptions and rushed for 20 touchdowns and 913 yards to help the Indians to an 8-4 record and the Class 5 state quarterfinals.