Hail Mary Hero Donnie Corley Focused on Decision After Title-Winning Catch
Wide receiver Donnie Corley set himself at the line of scrimmage knowing the ensuing snap would be his final high school play.
The Detroit Martin Luther King High School senior stood on Ford Field turf typically reserved for a man they call "Megatron", eager to attack one more time. Downfield, a scoreboard showed two seconds remaining in the Division II state championship game against Lowell High School.
King, trailing 31-13 earlier in the contest, faced a four-point deficit and 39 yards of field. Corley saw the opposing cornerback call for support up top from his safety, who failed to pick up that signal.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
"When I realized it would be one-on-one coverage, I had it in my mind that I was going to come down with the ball," he told Bleacher Report
Moments later, the 6'3", 182-pound playmaker rose up in the end zone and plucked it just beyond a Lowell defender's outstretched hands:
Catch made, comeback complete, state title secured. King walked off with a 40-38 win.
"It was unbelievable seeing my team run toward me and people jumping around in the stands going crazy," Corley said.
You can still hear excitement in his voice as he discusses the Nov. 27 reception that launched him into a national spotlight. The snag landed Corley at No. 1 on SportsCenter's Top 10 highlights staple, per highschoolsports.mlive.com, and on an NFL Network set alongside NFL legend Deion Sanders.
"Life has changed," he said.
While his sudden status as a social media sensation has brought more eyes on Corley, he's used to attention. Considered a top-20 receiver in national 2016 composite recruiting class rankings, collegiate coaching staffs have been well aware of him for some time.
The No. 1 overall skill player in Michigan carries dozens of scholarship offers. Plans for a Dec. 8 commitment were pushed back because of an honorary trip to New York City, where he traveled earlier this week with fellow U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalists.
Corley caught 59 passes for 1,403 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, according to David Goricki of the Detroit News. He added 80 tackles and 10 interceptions at defensive back, where some teams (most notably Texas) see immense potential.
"I view myself as a playmaker, but I'm not flashy. I'm a very physical and aggressive player. The focus is to work on improving everything when I get to college," Corley said.
There are still five schools in the mix for his signature, including Michigan and Michigan State. Corley is also considering Notre Dame, Tennessee and Ohio State.
He is academically eligible to enroll early, and plans are in place for him to graduate high school ahead of schedule. However, Corley is contemplating which route to take, expressing some trepidation about inadvertently rushing his decision.
To enroll early, he must decide early. If Corley intends to spend next spring on a college campus, the admissions process must start soon.
"There's a possibility I could wait on a commitment," he said.
A fluid situation features three Big Ten Conference heavyweights, headlined by a pair of in-state programs.
"I hear a lot from fans of Michigan and Michigan State. I meet them all the time. I like both schools, both head coaches," Corley said.
The Spartans and Wolverines claim 93 percent of experts' predictions in his 247Sports Crystal Ball, though it's important to note 85 percent of those projections point toward East Lansing. Corley expressed a strong level of familiarity with Michigan State's staff, especially assistant Curtis Blackwell, who coached Corley in seven-on-seven competition just a few years ago.
"I know I can trust him. I feel comfortable at Michigan State. I feel safe there," he said.
The program is fresh off of a thrilling Big Ten title game victory over Iowa. The win solidified Michigan State's spot in the College Football Playoff, which kicks off New Year's Eve with a matchup against Alabama.
"It was a statement win. They're not looked over, but I don't think they get as much respect as they should," he said.
Corley also believes Michigan made a statement this season under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, who inherited a team that lost 10 of 16 conference games in 2013 and 2014.
"They're developing their players," he said. "Some guys I knew that went to Michigan with the old coaching staff still kinda played the same after a couple years. Now you can see them getting better. Guys on the team tell me Harbaugh is great coach. He's going to get you right and get you into the league."
Despite expectations that Corley won't end up beyond state borders, he's continued to explore alternative options. Tennessee hosted him for an official visit during the season, and Ohio State is set to welcome him to campus this weekend for what may be his final trip of this process, according to Bill Kurelic of 247Sports.
Corley said Tennessee head coach Butch Jones and receivers coach Zach Azzanni have been in consistent contact, communicating almost every day. The same can be said for Ohio State assistant Kerry Coombs.
His friendship with high school teammate Lavert Hill is another compelling dynamic here. The 4-star cornerback decommitted from Penn State in late November and is now weighing opportunities at Michigan, Michigan State and Tennessee, among other programs.
Given the overlap in their collegiate interests, Corley believes a package deal is more likely than the two going their separate ways next season.
"I don't think people realize how much we talk about it. There's a strong possibility we could play together," he said.
Hill is projected to sign with Michigan by 81 percent of experts' predictions in his Crystal Ball. If the duo doesn't pair up in college, the two certainly could end up competing in crucial head-to-head showdowns.
Michigan State may be Corley's perceived favorite at this point, but assume that conclusion at your own risk. Several variables remain in play moving forward, though the Spartans do have his support against Alabama and beyond.
"I'm going with the underdog. Michigan State will win it all because they've played really well in big situations," he said.
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