Don't know if there is a dedicated HS recruiting thread. Here's a story about a school in the city of Chicago that may get 7 Division I scholarships. BG is in on one of them (maybe):
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/preps/11 ... 27.article
At last count, Robert Hughes had 32 scholarship offers. He is one of seven seniors on Hubbard's football team who figure to earn a Division I scholarship, potentially the most of any school in the area since St. Laurence produced six D-I players in 1985.
''I never thought it would be like this,'' Hughes said. ''Schools keep coming in. It has been overwhelming, so many schools. My recruiting is in an unstable situation.''
Hughes, a running back-linebacker, said he has narrowed his list of suitors to Illinois, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Miami (Fla.), Minnesota and Michigan. He will make official visits after the season, then announce his choice at the U.S. Army All-American Classic in January.
Hubbard coach Elton Harris also is overwhelmed by the process. During one day, 15 college coaches knocked on his door. When Penn State's Joe Paterno stopped by, it was like New Year's Eve. Paterno signed autographs, posed for pictures and shook hands like a politician.
''This is the most exciting year we've had,'' Harris said. ''I've met Joe Paterno, Pete Carroll, Charlie Weis, Ron Zook, Pat Fitzgerald. Meeting Paterno was like meeting [Grambling's] Eddie Robinson. I'm taking pictures of the coaches and putting them in a scrapbook for when I'm old and gray.
''The toughest thing is when a Mid-American Conference school comes in, you don't want to say a Big Ten school or Notre Dame is a better program. You want to treat everyone the same, whether it is Elmhurst [College] or Miami. You never know when you will need them.''
Hughes and his teammates have similar game plans. They aren't in a hurry. They are concentrating on the state playoffs, then will make campus visits after the season before selecting a college.
• • Sean Cattouse: Of his 18 offers, he lists Minnesota, Boston College, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue and California as his favorites. He would like to play quarterback in college but concedes most schools are recruiting him as a defensive back, some as a wide receiver, all as an athlete.
''The recruiting process is a little bit of a hassle,'' Cattouse said. ''But the thought of being wanted is a good feeling.''
• • Justin Hickman: The 6-3, 225-pound linebacker has six offers, including Mississippi State, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and New Mexico. He hopes Illinois and Northwestern join the chase.
• • Brian Thomas: The 6-2, 280-pound defensive tackle likely will choose Mississippi State or Kansas State. But he also is talking to USC.
• • Jordan Brown: The 6-1, 280-pound defensive tackle wants to attend Northwestern but has no offer. He might choose New Mexico, Mississippi State, Miami (Ohio) or possibly Northern Illinois.
• • Darius Purcell: The strong safety has Big Ten skills, reports recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CSTV, but only Central Michigan and Colorado State have offered. He wants to attend Illinois, which is evaluating his film. He also is talking to Miami and Bowling Green.
• • Keith Otis: The 6-4, 305-pound offensive lineman has six offers, including NIU, New Mexico, Colorado and Mississippi State. Texas Tech recently called.
Possible Chicago area recruit
Found this article:
One to watch will be 5-11, 215-pound, safety, Darius Purcell.
“I’m still looking for my first scholarship offer.” Darius Purcell said.
“I’m hoping that Illinois offers soon. From what I’m hearing, they (Illinois) could be close to offering. Illinois, Tennessee and Clemson have been recruiting me the hardest.
“My favorites are Illinois, Michigan State, Northern Illinois, Tennessee, Clemson, Purdue and Miami. I’ve been to Illinois, Michigan State, Tennessee and Northern Illinois for junior days.
Like teammates Robert Hughes and Brian Thomas, Purcell will be a four-year varsity starter in 2006. As a junior, Darius racked up 70 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and three interceptions. Purcell has been an all-conference selection the past three seasons.
Purcell is a jack of all trades. He has played quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, safety and defensive end for the Greyhounds. Darius said most of the schools that are recruiting him would like to see him play strong safety.
We asked Purcell what makes him a D-1 strong safety prospect?
“I hit hard and I’m aggressive,” Purcell explained. “I show good quickness and agility and I’m good at reading the offense. I have good reaction skills. I want to work on getting stronger and faster.”
Purcell is registered for the Scout.com All-American Combine that will be held on April 22nd in Iowa City. Darius told us that he also plans on hitting a Nike Camp this spring and he plans on camping with Illinois and Michigan State.
One to watch will be 5-11, 215-pound, safety, Darius Purcell.
“I’m still looking for my first scholarship offer.” Darius Purcell said.
“I’m hoping that Illinois offers soon. From what I’m hearing, they (Illinois) could be close to offering. Illinois, Tennessee and Clemson have been recruiting me the hardest.
“My favorites are Illinois, Michigan State, Northern Illinois, Tennessee, Clemson, Purdue and Miami. I’ve been to Illinois, Michigan State, Tennessee and Northern Illinois for junior days.
Like teammates Robert Hughes and Brian Thomas, Purcell will be a four-year varsity starter in 2006. As a junior, Darius racked up 70 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and three interceptions. Purcell has been an all-conference selection the past three seasons.
Purcell is a jack of all trades. He has played quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, safety and defensive end for the Greyhounds. Darius said most of the schools that are recruiting him would like to see him play strong safety.
We asked Purcell what makes him a D-1 strong safety prospect?
“I hit hard and I’m aggressive,” Purcell explained. “I show good quickness and agility and I’m good at reading the offense. I have good reaction skills. I want to work on getting stronger and faster.”
Purcell is registered for the Scout.com All-American Combine that will be held on April 22nd in Iowa City. Darius told us that he also plans on hitting a Nike Camp this spring and he plans on camping with Illinois and Michigan State.
