PREP FOOTBALL: Ingram, John Hardin's big man, starting to draw big interest

By CHUCK JONES cjones@thenewsenterprise.com RADCLIFF — At 6-foot-5 and 302 pounds, Van Ingram, a John Hardin senior offensive tackle, is easy to spot on the football field. And it’s not just opposing teams and football fans who have noticed the big-sized lineman. A number of colleges have taken an interest in Ingram since the end of last football season. Kentucky and Louisville are the “main two schools” recruiting him. Ingram said he has also heard from Eastern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Central Michigan, Ball State, Vanderbilt and Virginia. “It never once crossed my mind,” Ingram said. “I never thought I’d play Division-I football. After my junior year, I got a lot of attention. I just went with it. It’s motivated me a lot.” Ingram started receiving interest during basketball season last year. He ended up quitting the team to focus on football, mainly working out in the weight room. “At that time, I wasn’t getting to play a lot and things started to get big,” Ingram said. “Schools started recruiting me. I wanted to get big in the weight room.” If Ingram was to sign with a Division-I school, he would join elite company. Dominic Lewis, who enjoyed a stellar career at Kentucky, is the only football player from John Hardin to receive a Division-I scholarship. “He’s got a chance,” John Hardin coach Mark Brown said. “The thing he has going for him is he has the natural size. College coaches are looking for that and he passes the eye test. The ball is in his court. “He could be one of the best pass blockers we’ve had because of his long arms and he’s not slow,” he added. “He’s also a good run blocker. But he has to dominate at this level.” Brown said he has noticed a difference in Ingram this offseason and during preseason practices. “He did work harder,” Brown said. “He has to decide in his heart how bad he wants it, because he definitely has the potential.” Ingram started last season at tackle, where he said he registered more than 80 pancake blocks. With colleges watching him closely this season, Ingram realizes he has to be even better. “I have to go hard every play,” said Ingram, who could also see time at defensive tackle this season. “I can’t take a play off. I have to go hard each play. One play could be my downfall. But I want to show people I can make it at the next level.” Chuck Jones can be reached at 505-1759