It was a year ago that Kyle Bosch (Wheaton, Ill./St. Francis) went down to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl combine and put himself on the recruiting radar. Bosch, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound tight end, who projects as an offensive lineman at the next level, is only a sophomore but college recruiters are already flooding his mailbox with letters as well as unofficial visit invites."Arizona, Iowa, Ohio State, Oregon, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Alabama and Penn State are the most persistent right now," Bosch said. "I'm completely wide open and willing to look at any school that has an interest in me."If I had to name early favorites, I'd say it would be the schools I just mentioned and I'd throw Notre Dame in there as well."I'm going back to the Army All-American Bowl combine this year and I'm not sure of any other combines right now but I'm sure I'll be going to some camps and combines in the spring and summer."
Fitzgerald like Big Ten, OregonAkron (Ohio) St. Vincent-St. Mary is home to Under-Armour All-American
Doran Grant as well as his teammate
Sae'Von Fitzgerald. The 5-7, 170-pound junior already has an offer from North Carolina Central and several other schools are showing a strong interest. "Most of my hand-written letters are coming from Pitt, Ball State and Wisconsin," Fitzgerald said. "I have an interest in the Big Ten schools and Oregon."
Voltz taking it slowDan Voltz (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) will be one of the most sought after offensive linemen in the Midwest next year. The 6-5, 290-pounder already holds offers from Arizona, Illinois, Northwestern, Illinois and Wisconsin. "I'm getting steady mail from just about every school in every major (FBS) conference," said Voltz. "I can't even begin to name leaders right now. I'm going down to San Antonio for the Army Bowl combine in January. That's where my focus is right now. Arizona was the last school to offer. I'm just starting to sort things out and take it a day at a time."
Moliga healthy againWhile visiting high schools in the Chicago area this past fall, one name that seemed to always come up in coach's offices was
Brandon Moliga (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais). The 5-11,195-pound running back/defensive back was putting up all-state numbers before breaking his leg and ending his senior season. Moliga says he's doing fine and he's also doing his homework when it comes to college football recruiting. "I'm fine," Moliga said. "I'm busy rehabbing my leg and getting strong. I definitely want to play football and I plan on reaching out to Nebraska about their walk-on program. Nebraska has a great tradition of walk-on football players, who have ended up on scholarship. Nebraska is playing in the Big Ten next year and that's also a big bonus for me and my family."
Pocic is the prizeIn recent years, Lemont (Ill.) High School has produced Bret and Aaron Nagel (Northwestern) as well as Graham Pocic, the starting center at Illinois. Coach Eric Michaelsen thought he was going to struggle this season but his team finished with an 11-1 record, losing in the state semifinals.In 2011, Lemont will feature a pair of FBS level linebacker prospects in Brad Uher (6-2, 215 pounds) and Kyle Krul (6-1, 210 pounds). The real prize however is sophomore offensive lineman Ethan Pocic (6-6, 265 pounds). "Graham (Pocic) was good but his brother (Ethan) is going to be a much better prospect," Michaelsen said. "That's saying a lot. Graham is starting now at Illinois and that should tell you a little about how much we like Ethan. He's the real deal. Ethan is tough, athletic and he can run. I'm telling you that the college recruiters will love what they see in him."
Vikings stacked againHomewood-Flossmoor is one of the top programs in Illinois. The Vikings have sent several prospects to the next level including 2011 prospects
Michael Rouse, who will sign with Purdue, Aiden Conlon who is still taking visits and Malik Norman who is waiting on his test scores.Coach Craig Buzea says he has a crop of juniors that could be special. "Tim Williams (6-6, 215 pounds) is our quarterback and he really made strides from the beginning of the season," Buzea said. "At one point, Tim thought he'd be a basketball player but now he's taking football a lot more seriously."Devon Porter (6-3, 215 pounds) was a leader on the defensive side of the ball for the Vikings. He projects as a defensive end at the next level. He's got some work to do in the classroom but should be a qualifier.Gerald Butler (5-11, 165 pounds) was an all-area selection in 2010. He started at both wide receiver and cornerback for the Vikings. He projects at the MAC or FCS level.
NotesJunior quarterback
Robert Gregory (Chicago/Simeon) was offered scholarships by Northwestern and Notre Dame. His teammate, offensive tackle
Jordan Diamond, received a scholarship offer from Notre Dame.Junior wide receiver
Jordan Westerkamp (Lombard, Ill./Montini Catholic) added an offer from Northwestern. Illinois was the first school to offer.Linebacker Nick Temple (Indianapolis, Ind./Warren Central) had a signing ceremony at his school. Temple will be graduating early and will enroll at Cincinnati next month.