SOUTH BEND, Ind. - With the growth of Michiana high school football, it has become more common to see players get Division-I opportunities. Some of them even get the chance to enter Notre Dame Stadium as a member of the Irish football team, but a few will make that dream a reality as part of Ball State's roster.

Of the 49 Indiana natives on the Cardinals, five have local ties.

South Bend Adams grads Danny Pinter and Tavonte' Malone, Bremen's Zac Ricketts, New Prairie's Grant Williamson, and Michigan City's Markice Hurt make up the local connection to Ball State. Pinter, the starting right tackle, is perhaps the only player expected to see playing time on Saturday.

Hear from Pinter about his homecoming trip and his hopes for the game in the video above!

Join us in welcoming TE Danny Pinter to the #BallState family! #Cardinals #NationalSigningDay #RookieCard pic.twitter.com/owBePUGkFq

— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2015