Brody Hickey wants to outdo his brother and Ian Harkes wants to emulate his famous father.



Two of our most recent boys’ commits come from quite the soccer pedigree as they prepare for the next stage of their respective careers.



Harkes, the son of former U.S. Men’s National Team player John Harkes, gave his verbal to Wake Forest for the 2013 season. 

His father was a Virginia Cavalier, and Ian is staying in the ACC where he will join a talented class that includes Rafael Fagundo and Collin Martin.



As for Hickey, he set his sights on SMU for the 2013 season. 

Why?

Well, it is a great instate program for the Dallas Texans’ standout, but there are bigger agendas at work.

“My brother just finished up four very successful years there so I know all about the program and I want to outdo him,” Hickey said.



Older brother Payton Hickey was a valuable midfielder for the team, collecting nine assists in his best season of 2009, setting a nice benchmark for Brody to shoot for.



Brody, of course, brings achievements of his own including being admitted to the U.S. U17 Residency Program.

Brody is a part of the rich tradition of great Texas players and his relationship with a few of them, also heading to the Mustangs, played a factor as well.



“I know a handful of players that are going there such as Murphy Short, Marco Carrizales, Brandon Lee and Michael King,” Brody said. “All of them are excellent players that have the same style of play. It should be a bright future for the Mustangs.

“I want to keep the tradition going and play and win for the players that made SMU what it is.”

Big brother being among them.

In other commitment news:

Troy Manheimer (Weston FC) has signed with Stony Brook for the 2012 season.



Jacori Hayes (Baltimore Bays) has verbally committed to Wake Forest for the 2013 season.

Brian Winterfield (Vardar) has verbally committed to Michigan State for the 2013 season.  

Dylan Autran (De Anza Force) has signed with Santa Clara for the 2012 season.

Christopher Hubbard (United 1996 FC) has verbally committed to Notre Dame for the 2013 season.

Michael Griswold (San Diego Surf) has verbally committed to Stanford for the 2013 season.