...Not to mention several players with borderline academics. Count the stars when school starts next fall, not in February.
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Canton Rep
4/25
[FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Zook builds in Stark[/FONT]
Tuesday, April 25, 2006 [FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]By Todd Porter REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER[/FONT]
<table style="margin: 10px -3px 15px 5px; position: relative;" align="right" border="0" width="300"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td>
Ron Zook told the Hall of Fame Luncheon Club on Monday that he is committed to restoring University of Illinois football to a top program.
<center style="color: black; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Advertisement</center></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> CANTON TWP. - On the first day Ron Zook could leave the beautiful 1,400-acre University of Illinois campus, he was 500 miles away.
The second-year Illini football coach was planting seeds in the heart of high school football. Zook made the journey to Stark County and spent 90 minutes with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club.
He exuded excitement for one of the Big Ten’s struggling programs. A pin on his lapel turned “Illinois” into “I believe in Illinois.”
Now Zook is trying to build a football team that does.
“This is my first day out, and where am I?” Zook said. “This is a hotbed for high school football. I don’t look at today as establishing a presence. This is just a great football area. There are great high school coaches ... they’re great people and they’re great students. All those are the things we’re looking for.”
Zook nabbed three Stark County recruits in February. McKinley wide receiver Joe Morgan, Massillon defensive lineman Antonio James and GlenOak offensive lineman Ryan Palmer signed with Illinois. No one should be surprised if any of them play early.
Zook is trying to breathe life into a moribund program. After two turbulent seasons at Florida, Zook was hired by the Illini to rebuild a football program that hasn’t had a winning season since it won the Big Ten in 2001. The last time Illinois had back-to-back winning seasons was 1989-90. The Illini’s record the last three seasons is 6-28 with just one Big Ten victory in 24 games.
“We have to change attitudes,” said Zook, a Loudonville native whose first head coaching job was at Orrville High School. “The attitude is slow, but surely, beginning to change. You change attitudes by bringing in new attitudes, and you keep pounding it on the guys who are already there. ... We’ve cut some fat from the program.”
When Zook begins fall practice, he will have 49 new faces, more than any Big Ten team in terms of percentage of new players. And he is in just his second season.
Illinois was the second youngest team in the country a year ago. He predicts 2006 will be better, but there still are growing pains as inexperienced players get indoctrinated to the Big Ten. The answer, he said, is to continue to recruit Ohio.
“... We’re making progress and taking the program in the direction it’s supposed to be in,” Zook said. “You can only do it so fast. You can’t buy experience. We’re recruiting the same athletes Ohio State is, and there is no reason we shouldn’t be able to.”
Zook made five stops at Stark County high schools, including Canton South, Massillon and McKinley. Massillon’s Brian Gamble and Andrew Dailey, South’s Devon Torrence and McKinley Morgan Williams are the county’s “Big Four” recruits for the 2007 class.
Zook is recruiting each of them.
“I don’t know in terms of a number we’re recruiting from here,” Zook said. “But if they can play, I’m looking at them.
“No school is for everybody. It’s important the guys we have coming in (from Stark County) are successful and love living there. ... We’re also selling something you can’t see. It’s important these guys coming in have success in all walks.”
Zook is trying to involve Illinois’ legendary player base. At last weekend’s spring game, more than 200 former Illini players came out, including Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus.
“He said, ‘You have a tough job,’ ” Zook said of Butkus. “I told him this is better than it was a year ago.”
n
Next week’s speaker is Joe Tait, the radio voice of the Cleveland Cavs. Ohio State men’s basketball coach Thad Matta will be the final speaker of the season May 10. The annual golf outing will be held May 15 at Tam ’O Shanter Golf Course.
4/25
[FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Zook builds in Stark[/FONT]
Tuesday, April 25, 2006 [FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]By Todd Porter REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER[/FONT]
<table style="margin: 10px -3px 15px 5px; position: relative;" align="right" border="0" width="300"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td>
Ron Zook told the Hall of Fame Luncheon Club on Monday that he is committed to restoring University of Illinois football to a top program.
<center style="color: black; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Advertisement</center></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> CANTON TWP. - On the first day Ron Zook could leave the beautiful 1,400-acre University of Illinois campus, he was 500 miles away.
The second-year Illini football coach was planting seeds in the heart of high school football. Zook made the journey to Stark County and spent 90 minutes with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club.
He exuded excitement for one of the Big Ten’s struggling programs. A pin on his lapel turned “Illinois” into “I believe in Illinois.”
Now Zook is trying to build a football team that does.
“This is my first day out, and where am I?” Zook said. “This is a hotbed for high school football. I don’t look at today as establishing a presence. This is just a great football area. There are great high school coaches ... they’re great people and they’re great students. All those are the things we’re looking for.”
Zook nabbed three Stark County recruits in February. McKinley wide receiver Joe Morgan, Massillon defensive lineman Antonio James and GlenOak offensive lineman Ryan Palmer signed with Illinois. No one should be surprised if any of them play early.
Zook is trying to breathe life into a moribund program. After two turbulent seasons at Florida, Zook was hired by the Illini to rebuild a football program that hasn’t had a winning season since it won the Big Ten in 2001. The last time Illinois had back-to-back winning seasons was 1989-90. The Illini’s record the last three seasons is 6-28 with just one Big Ten victory in 24 games.
“We have to change attitudes,” said Zook, a Loudonville native whose first head coaching job was at Orrville High School. “The attitude is slow, but surely, beginning to change. You change attitudes by bringing in new attitudes, and you keep pounding it on the guys who are already there. ... We’ve cut some fat from the program.”
When Zook begins fall practice, he will have 49 new faces, more than any Big Ten team in terms of percentage of new players. And he is in just his second season.
Illinois was the second youngest team in the country a year ago. He predicts 2006 will be better, but there still are growing pains as inexperienced players get indoctrinated to the Big Ten. The answer, he said, is to continue to recruit Ohio.
“... We’re making progress and taking the program in the direction it’s supposed to be in,” Zook said. “You can only do it so fast. You can’t buy experience. We’re recruiting the same athletes Ohio State is, and there is no reason we shouldn’t be able to.”
Zook made five stops at Stark County high schools, including Canton South, Massillon and McKinley. Massillon’s Brian Gamble and Andrew Dailey, South’s Devon Torrence and McKinley Morgan Williams are the county’s “Big Four” recruits for the 2007 class.
Zook is recruiting each of them.
“I don’t know in terms of a number we’re recruiting from here,” Zook said. “But if they can play, I’m looking at them.
“No school is for everybody. It’s important the guys we have coming in (from Stark County) are successful and love living there. ... We’re also selling something you can’t see. It’s important these guys coming in have success in all walks.”
Zook is trying to involve Illinois’ legendary player base. At last weekend’s spring game, more than 200 former Illini players came out, including Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus.
“He said, ‘You have a tough job,’ ” Zook said of Butkus. “I told him this is better than it was a year ago.”
n
Next week’s speaker is Joe Tait, the radio voice of the Cleveland Cavs. Ohio State men’s basketball coach Thad Matta will be the final speaker of the season May 10. The annual golf outing will be held May 15 at Tam ’O Shanter Golf Course.
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daddyphatsacs
Let the cards fall...
Zook just seems like a Big Ten kind of coach. He's got the right idea, and he's in a talent rich area. I think he'll start to snag away talent from Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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BuckTwenty
Parties with Pete Johnson's Beard
I'd love to actually rekindle the football rivalry with those guys, because it's not much to talk about these days. Illibuck hasn't moved in quite a few years. I remember not too fondly the days when Illinois pwned our asses there for a good while.
I like Zooker. I encourage him to steal ALL the talent he can away from those two, as well as keep some of that Chicago-area talent home and out of the grasps of scUM and Iowa. With the talent he's starting to bring in, he'll have them outta the cellar here sooner rather than later.
I like Zooker. I encourage him to steal ALL the talent he can away from those two, as well as keep some of that Chicago-area talent home and out of the grasps of scUM and Iowa. With the talent he's starting to bring in, he'll have them outta the cellar here sooner rather than later.
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buckeye247
# 33
Thats the main reason why i wouldnt mind seeing illinois get better. They could steal some of that talent away from scum.
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MightbeaBuck
with hat in hand
[SARCASM]If he going to snag all the talent from that hot-bed of football: Minnesota; then the Buckeyes may as well forfeit all the games against the Illini during Zook's tenure.[/SARCASM]
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Fuck Illinois. I vividly remember their beating us five straight and six of seven years in the late '80s and early '90s. In fact, aside from Michigan, no other Big Ten team has ever beaten us five straight. It wouldn't bother me if they never got better.
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daddyphatsacs
Let the cards fall...
Hey wiz kid, I was implying that he could take talent from Chicago.......talent that seems to creep to a Minnesota or Wisky...ect. I do appreciate your sarcasm font though, pretty amusing.........and tricky on the eyes. Kudos.
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jimotis4heisman
Banned
taking chicago back will be key to zooks future.daddyphatsacs said:
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Dublin Buckeyes
All-American
He'll recruit well. But the jury is still out on his coaching. Here at UF he was known for his friendships with players, but not his coaching abilities. We shall see. He did go from 1 orange and blue to another.
The Fightin' Zooks will improve, but I'm glad we have Urban. After UF, Urban needs to go to OSU, then I'll be really happy.:)
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scooter1369
HTTR Forever.
The drubbing we gave them last year felt good. Real good. Considering we should have beat them in regulation in 2002(on CK's TD run) after getting trounced the year before in the 'Shoe. If memory serves, that loss was McMullen's first start as a Buckeye. And the Gunslinger struggled a bit.
Zook still has supporters in Gainesville and he'll gain more in Champaign as time goes by.
Zook still has supporters in Gainesville and he'll gain more in Champaign as time goes by.
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scooter1369
HTTR Forever.
I wouldn't get your hopes up on Meyer coming to Columbus any time soon. Even as the visiting coach.
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0
Link
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A 20-question prep course
[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]August 18, 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]BY STEVE TUCKER STAFF REPORTER
[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A preview of the 2006 high school football season, which kicks off next Friday[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]1. Who are the Fab Five prospects of the Chicago area? [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Simeon's Martez Wilson wasn't even on the radar when the 2005 season ended. But since college coaches looked at him on film, the Wolverines defensive end has exploded, becoming the state's top-rated prospect. He has visits lined up with Illinois, Notre Dame, Ohio State and USC.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Rounding out the group are Hubbard running back Robert Hughes, a fixture for the Greyhounds since he was a freshman; Marian Central's Iowa-bound lineman Brian Bulaga; Lemont's Notre Dame-bound Aaron Nagel, who will play running back but was recruited as a linebacker; and Bolingbrook running back Dale Martin.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]2. Who are the Fab Five prospects Downstate?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The list includes offensive lineman Jack Cornell of Quincy Notre Dame, who is committed to Michigan State. The other four are Bloomington Central Catholic defensive lineman Josh Brent, a recruiting target of Illinois; quarterback Luke Hockaday of Maroa-Forsyth; and receivers Jerrell McDaniel of East St. Louis and Levi Richards of Newton.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]3. What figures to be the most hotly contested possible state title game?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The best race should be in Class 7A, where reigning champion Prospect and 2005 runner-up Mount Carmel could be headed for another showdown.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]4. Who are other area favorites to win state titles?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Lincoln-Way East is favored to repeat in Class 8A. The Griffins likely will be challenged by Barrington, St. Rita and Wheaton Warrenville South, among others.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Look for Hubbard, which has had some great playoff runs, to challenge for the Class 6A title. With as many as seven potential Division I prospects, coach Elton Harris' team could be the first Public League state finalist since Robeson in 1982.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Suburban Catholic Conference is loaded and figures to have state contenders in Montini (Class 5A) and Driscoll (Class 4A), which lost 18 starters but is shooting for an unprecedented sixth consecutive title.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]5. Who comprises the preseason All-Area offense?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Running back appears to be a strength, led by Hughes, Nagel and Martin. Wheaton Warrenville South's Purdue-bound Dan Dierking, St. Rita's tandem of Darieon Hood and Cliff Moore and Neuqua Valley's Alan Smith lead a group that is right behind the top three.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The rest of the offense: quarterback Teddy Schell, Barrington; wide receiver Anthony Morris, Thornton; tight end Jack DiNardo, Hinsdale Central; linemen Bulaga; Colin Armstrong, Benet; Mike Garrity, Batavia; David Molk, Lemont; Arthur Ray Jr., Mount Carmel; kick returner Alan Smith, Neuqua Valley.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]6. Who comprises the preseason All-Area defense?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]D.J. Pirkle puts himself in the middle of things for Lincoln-Way East. He was part of the Griffins' front wall that stopped Maine South in the second overtime of the Class 8A championship last year, and he will be a big factor again for the area's top-rated team.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The rest of the defense: linemen Wilson; Matt Conrath, St. Rita; Marcus Zusevics, Prospect; linebackers Mark Oliver, Mount Carmel; Jon Olofsson, Lincoln-Way East; Kevin Rouse, Joliet Catholic; defensive backs Michael Bolden, Evanston; Charles Brown, Robeson; Patrick George, Gordon Tech; Marcus Thomas, Morgan Park.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]7. Who are the best kickers-punters in the area?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Downers Grove South's Zack Bell is a converted soccer player whom coach John Belskis said ''is the best we've had.'' He could be close to the class of former St. Rita standout Ryan Donahue, now an Iowa freshman. Others are Chris Gasiorek, St. Patrick; Tom Lynch, Lincoln-Way East; C.J. O'Connell, De La Salle; and Zach Libbe, Schaumburg.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]8. Who are the Fab Five juniors of the area?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Robeson receiver Brandon Green is regarded by many as the best Public League player in the Class of 2008. ''He is a tremendous athlete who will be a big-time recruit next year,'' Joliet-based scout Tim O'Halloran of Edgytim.com said.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The other four are Mount Carmel linebacker Steven Filer; Simeon quarterback Jack Ramsey; Homewood-Flossmoor quarterback-wide receiver-defensive back Supo Sanni; and Lemont offensive lineman Graham Pocic.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]9. Who comprises the preseason All-Public League offense?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Linemen Miles Stroter, King; Abdulah Pratt, Morgan Park; Keith Otis, Hubbard; Andre Sharp, Corliss; Quinton Phurman, CVS; quarterback Jack Ramsey, Simeon; running backs Robert Hughes, Hubbard; Emmanuel Garner, Dunbar; wide receivers Leshawn Ward, Harper; Brandon Green, Robeson; tight endEric Broussard, Dunbar; kicker-punter Manuel Cisneros, Curie.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]10. Who comprises the preseason All-Public League defense?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Linemen Brian Thomas, Hubbard; Adam Nelson, Lane; Tony Jackson, Young; Martez Wilson, Simeon; linebackers Justin Hickman, Hubbard; Brandon Carter, Lane; defensive backs Charles Brown, Robeson; Marcus Thomas, Morgan Park; Sean Cattouse, Hubbard; Darius Purcell, Hubbard; punt returner Rod Gray, Young; kick returner Anthony Hughes, Julian.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]11. Who is a relatively new name to recruiters?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]New Trier quarterback Trey Frahler was an unknown but caught a lot of recruiters' eyes with his performance at Maine South assistant Charlie Bliss' quarterback- receiver combine in May. As a complement to running back Richard Spellman, Frahler will be a key for the Trevians, who hope to end Maine South's dominance in the Central Suburban South.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]12. What is the best Web site for area high school football?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Edgytim.com is in its second decade and keeps getting better. A part of the Rivals network, the site covers the entire state with news, player and team features, rankings and some of the most-read message boards around. O'Halloran has turned what started out as a hobby into a must-read for fans, players and coaches who want a better ''edgy-cation'' about local high school football.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]13. What is the best published resource guide on recruiting in the area?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report is a 282-page evaluation of more than 1,000 high school prospects. It can be ordered by calling (630) 907-1000. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]14. What is the best local high school football event?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The tripleheader Aug. 26 at Soldier Field is a must-see. It starts with Joliet Catholic facing Mount Carmel in a matchup of programs with the most state titles. The second game pits Simeon against Fenwick. Hubbard meets St. Rita in the nightcap in a matchup of top-10 teams.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]15. Who are five players you haven't heard of but will?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tight ends Austin Szafranski of St. Viator and Nick Angeliotti of Wauconda have caught the eye of some recruiters. Barrington lineman Tyler Doering is the 6-5, 290-pound little brother of Iowa's Dan Doering, a former Bronco All-American. Driscoll's Colin Peterman will back up quarterback Phil Pedi, who already has won two state titles. And Bremen will rebuild behind running back-safety Tim Cazley.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]16. Who is the best team nationally that an area school will play this fall?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Maine South, which has lost in the Class 8A title game three years in a row, will travel to Indianapolis to play Warren Central, a team that is rated above everyone from Illinois in some national polls. Warren Central is very fast, very deep and very good.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]17. Whatever happened to Yarmo Green?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The former Mather All-City running back is awaiting a decision on an appeal on his 40-year sentence for a ''brutal and heinous'' beating for which he has served 12 years. Both the injuries that the victim sustained and Green's post-conviction petition alleging he was denied effective representation under the Sixth Amendment are at issue. It is alleged his first lawyer had a drug addiction and his two subsequent lawyers did nothing to help him. Green is eligible for parole in 2014, when he will be 37.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]18. Which conference will be the biggest surprise?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Central Suburban South, which has been dominated for years by Maine South, will be a four-team race, with the Hawks, New Trier, Glenbrook South and Evanston all having a legitimate shot at winning. ''All four look like playoff teams,'' O'Halloran said. ''It will be an outstanding conference this fall.''[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]19. What are 10 of the best regular-season games?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]After the tripleheader at Soldier Field ... Joliet Catholic at Morris, Sept. 1; Lemont at Richards Sept. 8; Morgan Park vs. Hubbard, Sept. 19 at Gately Stadium; Lincoln-Way East at Lincoln-Way Central, Oct. 6; New Trier at Maine South and Montini at Driscoll, Oct. 7; Mount Carmel at St. Rita and Providence at Brother Rice, Oct. 13; Buffalo Grove at Prospect and Hinsdale Central at Lyons, Oct. 20.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]20. Which 10 teams just missed the Super 25?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Glenbrook South, Simeon, Bolingbrook, Morgan Park, Naperville Central, Downers Grove North, North Chicago, St. Viator, Glenbard West and Oak Forest.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A 20-question prep course
[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]August 18, 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]BY STEVE TUCKER STAFF REPORTER
[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A preview of the 2006 high school football season, which kicks off next Friday[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]1. Who are the Fab Five prospects of the Chicago area? [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Simeon's Martez Wilson wasn't even on the radar when the 2005 season ended. But since college coaches looked at him on film, the Wolverines defensive end has exploded, becoming the state's top-rated prospect. He has visits lined up with Illinois, Notre Dame, Ohio State and USC.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Rounding out the group are Hubbard running back Robert Hughes, a fixture for the Greyhounds since he was a freshman; Marian Central's Iowa-bound lineman Brian Bulaga; Lemont's Notre Dame-bound Aaron Nagel, who will play running back but was recruited as a linebacker; and Bolingbrook running back Dale Martin.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]2. Who are the Fab Five prospects Downstate?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The list includes offensive lineman Jack Cornell of Quincy Notre Dame, who is committed to Michigan State. The other four are Bloomington Central Catholic defensive lineman Josh Brent, a recruiting target of Illinois; quarterback Luke Hockaday of Maroa-Forsyth; and receivers Jerrell McDaniel of East St. Louis and Levi Richards of Newton.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]3. What figures to be the most hotly contested possible state title game?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The best race should be in Class 7A, where reigning champion Prospect and 2005 runner-up Mount Carmel could be headed for another showdown.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]4. Who are other area favorites to win state titles?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Lincoln-Way East is favored to repeat in Class 8A. The Griffins likely will be challenged by Barrington, St. Rita and Wheaton Warrenville South, among others.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Look for Hubbard, which has had some great playoff runs, to challenge for the Class 6A title. With as many as seven potential Division I prospects, coach Elton Harris' team could be the first Public League state finalist since Robeson in 1982.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Suburban Catholic Conference is loaded and figures to have state contenders in Montini (Class 5A) and Driscoll (Class 4A), which lost 18 starters but is shooting for an unprecedented sixth consecutive title.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]5. Who comprises the preseason All-Area offense?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Running back appears to be a strength, led by Hughes, Nagel and Martin. Wheaton Warrenville South's Purdue-bound Dan Dierking, St. Rita's tandem of Darieon Hood and Cliff Moore and Neuqua Valley's Alan Smith lead a group that is right behind the top three.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The rest of the offense: quarterback Teddy Schell, Barrington; wide receiver Anthony Morris, Thornton; tight end Jack DiNardo, Hinsdale Central; linemen Bulaga; Colin Armstrong, Benet; Mike Garrity, Batavia; David Molk, Lemont; Arthur Ray Jr., Mount Carmel; kick returner Alan Smith, Neuqua Valley.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]6. Who comprises the preseason All-Area defense?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]D.J. Pirkle puts himself in the middle of things for Lincoln-Way East. He was part of the Griffins' front wall that stopped Maine South in the second overtime of the Class 8A championship last year, and he will be a big factor again for the area's top-rated team.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The rest of the defense: linemen Wilson; Matt Conrath, St. Rita; Marcus Zusevics, Prospect; linebackers Mark Oliver, Mount Carmel; Jon Olofsson, Lincoln-Way East; Kevin Rouse, Joliet Catholic; defensive backs Michael Bolden, Evanston; Charles Brown, Robeson; Patrick George, Gordon Tech; Marcus Thomas, Morgan Park.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]7. Who are the best kickers-punters in the area?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Downers Grove South's Zack Bell is a converted soccer player whom coach John Belskis said ''is the best we've had.'' He could be close to the class of former St. Rita standout Ryan Donahue, now an Iowa freshman. Others are Chris Gasiorek, St. Patrick; Tom Lynch, Lincoln-Way East; C.J. O'Connell, De La Salle; and Zach Libbe, Schaumburg.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]8. Who are the Fab Five juniors of the area?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Robeson receiver Brandon Green is regarded by many as the best Public League player in the Class of 2008. ''He is a tremendous athlete who will be a big-time recruit next year,'' Joliet-based scout Tim O'Halloran of Edgytim.com said.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The other four are Mount Carmel linebacker Steven Filer; Simeon quarterback Jack Ramsey; Homewood-Flossmoor quarterback-wide receiver-defensive back Supo Sanni; and Lemont offensive lineman Graham Pocic.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]9. Who comprises the preseason All-Public League offense?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Linemen Miles Stroter, King; Abdulah Pratt, Morgan Park; Keith Otis, Hubbard; Andre Sharp, Corliss; Quinton Phurman, CVS; quarterback Jack Ramsey, Simeon; running backs Robert Hughes, Hubbard; Emmanuel Garner, Dunbar; wide receivers Leshawn Ward, Harper; Brandon Green, Robeson; tight endEric Broussard, Dunbar; kicker-punter Manuel Cisneros, Curie.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]10. Who comprises the preseason All-Public League defense?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Linemen Brian Thomas, Hubbard; Adam Nelson, Lane; Tony Jackson, Young; Martez Wilson, Simeon; linebackers Justin Hickman, Hubbard; Brandon Carter, Lane; defensive backs Charles Brown, Robeson; Marcus Thomas, Morgan Park; Sean Cattouse, Hubbard; Darius Purcell, Hubbard; punt returner Rod Gray, Young; kick returner Anthony Hughes, Julian.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]11. Who is a relatively new name to recruiters?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]New Trier quarterback Trey Frahler was an unknown but caught a lot of recruiters' eyes with his performance at Maine South assistant Charlie Bliss' quarterback- receiver combine in May. As a complement to running back Richard Spellman, Frahler will be a key for the Trevians, who hope to end Maine South's dominance in the Central Suburban South.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]12. What is the best Web site for area high school football?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Edgytim.com is in its second decade and keeps getting better. A part of the Rivals network, the site covers the entire state with news, player and team features, rankings and some of the most-read message boards around. O'Halloran has turned what started out as a hobby into a must-read for fans, players and coaches who want a better ''edgy-cation'' about local high school football.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]13. What is the best published resource guide on recruiting in the area?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report is a 282-page evaluation of more than 1,000 high school prospects. It can be ordered by calling (630) 907-1000. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]14. What is the best local high school football event?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The tripleheader Aug. 26 at Soldier Field is a must-see. It starts with Joliet Catholic facing Mount Carmel in a matchup of programs with the most state titles. The second game pits Simeon against Fenwick. Hubbard meets St. Rita in the nightcap in a matchup of top-10 teams.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]15. Who are five players you haven't heard of but will?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Tight ends Austin Szafranski of St. Viator and Nick Angeliotti of Wauconda have caught the eye of some recruiters. Barrington lineman Tyler Doering is the 6-5, 290-pound little brother of Iowa's Dan Doering, a former Bronco All-American. Driscoll's Colin Peterman will back up quarterback Phil Pedi, who already has won two state titles. And Bremen will rebuild behind running back-safety Tim Cazley.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]16. Who is the best team nationally that an area school will play this fall?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Maine South, which has lost in the Class 8A title game three years in a row, will travel to Indianapolis to play Warren Central, a team that is rated above everyone from Illinois in some national polls. Warren Central is very fast, very deep and very good.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]17. Whatever happened to Yarmo Green?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The former Mather All-City running back is awaiting a decision on an appeal on his 40-year sentence for a ''brutal and heinous'' beating for which he has served 12 years. Both the injuries that the victim sustained and Green's post-conviction petition alleging he was denied effective representation under the Sixth Amendment are at issue. It is alleged his first lawyer had a drug addiction and his two subsequent lawyers did nothing to help him. Green is eligible for parole in 2014, when he will be 37.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]18. Which conference will be the biggest surprise?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Central Suburban South, which has been dominated for years by Maine South, will be a four-team race, with the Hawks, New Trier, Glenbrook South and Evanston all having a legitimate shot at winning. ''All four look like playoff teams,'' O'Halloran said. ''It will be an outstanding conference this fall.''[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]19. What are 10 of the best regular-season games?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]After the tripleheader at Soldier Field ... Joliet Catholic at Morris, Sept. 1; Lemont at Richards Sept. 8; Morgan Park vs. Hubbard, Sept. 19 at Gately Stadium; Lincoln-Way East at Lincoln-Way Central, Oct. 6; New Trier at Maine South and Montini at Driscoll, Oct. 7; Mount Carmel at St. Rita and Providence at Brother Rice, Oct. 13; Buffalo Grove at Prospect and Hinsdale Central at Lyons, Oct. 20.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]20. Which 10 teams just missed the Super 25?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Glenbrook South, Simeon, Bolingbrook, Morgan Park, Naperville Central, Downers Grove North, North Chicago, St. Viator, Glenbard West and Oak Forest.[/FONT]
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And the top state prospect of '07 is...
Today, let's take some time to get everyone caught up on the latest news around the area and beyond with recruiting for the state's Class of 2007.
The top prospect in Illinois is Chicago Simeon High School defensive end Martez Wilson (6-foot-4, 238 pounds). Wilson, who is being recruited nationally, is an exceptional athlete who will play defensive end and wide receiver this fall for the Wolverines. Wilson also is ranked as the No. 21 prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. He has set official visits this fall to Illinois, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Southern Cal, and he is touting more than 30 scholarship offers in all. Wilson's dream school, the University of Miami (Fla.), offered him just last weekend, and the Hurricanes will be tough for all comers to beat for his services.
Chicago Hubbard running back Robert Hughes (5-11, 220) also is a highly sought-after prospect with more than 20 scholarship offer this fall. Hughes, who will be a rare four-year varsity starter for the Greyhounds, has set an official visit to Ohio State, and he is looking hard at Michigan, Illinois, Ohio State and Notre Dame. Like Wilson, Hughes isn't expected to make his college choice until well after his senior season.
Locally?
The Will County area again is well represented with some top-notch talent. Bolingbrook running back Dale Martin (5-11, 195) is calling Iowa, Wisconsin, Tennessee and North Carolina State his final four schools of choice. Martin is expected to make an early-to-mid September announcement on his college choice.
Joliet Catholic Academy linebacker Kevin Rouse (6-1, 225) decided to end his recruiting process a few weeks ago when he gave the Iowa Hawkeyes his early verbal commitment. Rouse was another hounded prospect who had more than 15 scholarship offers to choose from this summer.
Lemont has two major Division I prospects this season, and both players have made early college decisions. Outside linebacker prospect Aaron Nagel (6-2, 220) made his college choice known back in March, when Notre Dame and head coach Charlie Weis offered him a scholarship. Nagel committed right away to his dream school.
Teammate David Molk (6-2, 275), an offensive lineman for the Indians, is built like a prototypical center prospect who also had outstanding junior tape. Molk, who had scholarship offers from nearly every Big Ten school this offseason, decided to commit to the University of Michigan.
Plainfield South outside linebacker prospect Dan Hilbert (6-3, 210) received an offer from Northern Illinois in late July, and he wasted no time in giving the Huskies his early commitment. Hilbert, whose overall recruiting stock was picking up in a big way this summer, will continue to hear from several schools this fall despite his early pledge to the Huskies.
Lincoln Way East has three players from the Class of 2007 who have received early scholarship offers. Defensive end prospect Adam Gettis (6-3, 245) has offers from Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan. Defensive tackle prospect DJ Pirkle (6-1, 285) has offers from Hawaii, Wyoming, Illinois State and Eastern Illinois. Linebacker Jon Olofsson (6-1, 230) has early offers from Wyoming and Army.
In-state schools
So, how are the in-state Division I colleges faring so far in the recruiting battles? Illinois and coach Ron Zook added verbal commitments in-state from Batavia offensive tackle prospect Mike Garrity (6-6, 255) and Chicago Morgan Park defensive back Marcus Thomas (5-11, 165). The Illini also are going hard after Martez Wilson and Robert Hughes.
Northwestern and coach Pat Fitzgerald are off to a great start with the Class of 2007. The Wildcats have added verbal commitments from Benet Academy offensive linemen Colin Armstrong (6-5, 270) along with Glenbard West defensive end Kevin Watt (6-4, 225) and Evanston defensive back Michael Bolden (6-1, 175). Bolden becomes the first Wildkit player to stay at home for Northwestern in many, many years.
Northern Illinois has added some early verbal commitments as well. Besides Hilbert, the Huskies added a second outside linebacker in Lake Zurich's Kyle Skarb (6-0, 200). NIU also added three prospect from out of state this summer, and expect the Huskies to add at least 5-7 more in-state verbal commits in the recruiting Class of 2007.
- Tim O'Halloran, publisher of edgytim.com, is in his 11th year as a high school football expert.
And the top state prospect of '07 is...
Today, let's take some time to get everyone caught up on the latest news around the area and beyond with recruiting for the state's Class of 2007.
The top prospect in Illinois is Chicago Simeon High School defensive end Martez Wilson (6-foot-4, 238 pounds). Wilson, who is being recruited nationally, is an exceptional athlete who will play defensive end and wide receiver this fall for the Wolverines. Wilson also is ranked as the No. 21 prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. He has set official visits this fall to Illinois, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Southern Cal, and he is touting more than 30 scholarship offers in all. Wilson's dream school, the University of Miami (Fla.), offered him just last weekend, and the Hurricanes will be tough for all comers to beat for his services.
Chicago Hubbard running back Robert Hughes (5-11, 220) also is a highly sought-after prospect with more than 20 scholarship offer this fall. Hughes, who will be a rare four-year varsity starter for the Greyhounds, has set an official visit to Ohio State, and he is looking hard at Michigan, Illinois, Ohio State and Notre Dame. Like Wilson, Hughes isn't expected to make his college choice until well after his senior season.
Locally?
The Will County area again is well represented with some top-notch talent. Bolingbrook running back Dale Martin (5-11, 195) is calling Iowa, Wisconsin, Tennessee and North Carolina State his final four schools of choice. Martin is expected to make an early-to-mid September announcement on his college choice.
Joliet Catholic Academy linebacker Kevin Rouse (6-1, 225) decided to end his recruiting process a few weeks ago when he gave the Iowa Hawkeyes his early verbal commitment. Rouse was another hounded prospect who had more than 15 scholarship offers to choose from this summer.
Lemont has two major Division I prospects this season, and both players have made early college decisions. Outside linebacker prospect Aaron Nagel (6-2, 220) made his college choice known back in March, when Notre Dame and head coach Charlie Weis offered him a scholarship. Nagel committed right away to his dream school.
Teammate David Molk (6-2, 275), an offensive lineman for the Indians, is built like a prototypical center prospect who also had outstanding junior tape. Molk, who had scholarship offers from nearly every Big Ten school this offseason, decided to commit to the University of Michigan.
Plainfield South outside linebacker prospect Dan Hilbert (6-3, 210) received an offer from Northern Illinois in late July, and he wasted no time in giving the Huskies his early commitment. Hilbert, whose overall recruiting stock was picking up in a big way this summer, will continue to hear from several schools this fall despite his early pledge to the Huskies.
Lincoln Way East has three players from the Class of 2007 who have received early scholarship offers. Defensive end prospect Adam Gettis (6-3, 245) has offers from Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan. Defensive tackle prospect DJ Pirkle (6-1, 285) has offers from Hawaii, Wyoming, Illinois State and Eastern Illinois. Linebacker Jon Olofsson (6-1, 230) has early offers from Wyoming and Army.
In-state schools
So, how are the in-state Division I colleges faring so far in the recruiting battles? Illinois and coach Ron Zook added verbal commitments in-state from Batavia offensive tackle prospect Mike Garrity (6-6, 255) and Chicago Morgan Park defensive back Marcus Thomas (5-11, 165). The Illini also are going hard after Martez Wilson and Robert Hughes.
Northwestern and coach Pat Fitzgerald are off to a great start with the Class of 2007. The Wildcats have added verbal commitments from Benet Academy offensive linemen Colin Armstrong (6-5, 270) along with Glenbard West defensive end Kevin Watt (6-4, 225) and Evanston defensive back Michael Bolden (6-1, 175). Bolden becomes the first Wildkit player to stay at home for Northwestern in many, many years.
Northern Illinois has added some early verbal commitments as well. Besides Hilbert, the Huskies added a second outside linebacker in Lake Zurich's Kyle Skarb (6-0, 200). NIU also added three prospect from out of state this summer, and expect the Huskies to add at least 5-7 more in-state verbal commits in the recruiting Class of 2007.
- Tim O'Halloran, publisher of edgytim.com, is in his 11th year as a high school football expert.
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