BOWLING GREEN — Perrysburg High School senior Cade Zimmerly always knew he was going to play college football, but deep down, he believed he had the ability to play in Division I.

But as the end of the recruiting cycle nears, Zimmerly thought he had a home. He had committed to the University of Indianapolis, a Division II program, and fully expected to play there next season.

Then everything changed — and Zimmerly finally earned his chance at the Bowl Subdivision level.

Bowling Green State University made a scholarship offer to Zimmerly, who accepted the opportunity to become part of the Falcons’ class of 2021.

“When I got offered by Indianapolis, I really thought I was going to go there,” Zimmerly said. “Then Bowling Green kind of came out of nowhere and offered me, and I had to jump on it.”

Zimmerly was named the Division I Northwest District’s lineman of the year as well as the co-player of the year in Northern Lakes League this season. He played both offensive and defensive tackle for the Yellow Jackets, but Bowling Green projects Zimmerly as a center.

He becomes the second offensive lineman in the class, joining Avon Lake offensive tackle Alex Padgett.

The Falcons had been in contact with Zimmerly since the summer, but until recently, had offered only a chance to be a preferred walk-on.

But after Zimmerly committed to Indianapolis, the Falcons became the first FBS team to pull the trigger on a player in their backyard.

Zimmerly said the process “was like a rollercoaster,” but after conferring family, he decided the opportunity presented by BG was too good to bypass.

“A couple of days after I committed, Bowling Green offered me, and I just had to take the chance,” Zimmerly said. “It felt amazing. I don't know how to put it in words. It just felt surreal to get this chance.”

Zimmerly will be a project for the Falcons, mostly because of his size. He played at just more than 260 pounds as a high school senior, and even centers at the Division I level are typically at least 300 pounds.

Like most offensive linemen, Zimmerly likely will undertake a years-long process of gaining weight and building strength before the chance of seeing the field.

But, after this weekend, he has the first step in the process: The chance to play D-I football.

“I always thought I had what it takes,” Zimmerly said. “Obviously, I still have a lot of work to do to get to the level just to play, but through hard work, I feel like I can get there.”

After much thought and prayers I would like to announce I am changing my commitment to Bowling Green State University! Thank you @CoachLoefflerBG @CoachHedden for the Opportunity! ???????? pic.twitter.com/w3KUrCo7zF

— Cade Zimmerly (@Zimmy2002) November 23, 2020

First Published November 23, 2020, 4:48 p.m.