Beth Long’s weekly recruiting roundup

One of the top offensive lineman in the area completed his recruiting process over the weekend.

Carmel junior Sean Foster verbally committed to Minnesota.

“I chose [Minnesota] because when we were up there I really felt at home,’’ Foster said. “There coaching staff was probably the best one I have seen. They are extremely hard workers and they strive for greatness every day.”

The 6-8, 270-pounder’s visit to Minnesota one week earlier had a strong influence on his decision.

“I felt like while I was there I could build excellent relationships with all the coaches and the players,’’ Foster said. ‘’I got to spend the night up there to see what it is really all about and I absolutely loved everything about it.”

The four-star rated recruit by Scout.com fits well into the Gopher’s offensive system.

“[The coaching staff] told me that they loved how I play the game and how physical I play. They love how hard I work,” Foster said. “I wanted to play for coach Jerry Kill and [offensive line coach] Limegrover, because ever since we met both my parents and I have loved what they have done with their team and how they carry themselves as a whole.”

Shift in the rankings

Evanston’s Naquan Jones and Fremd’s Kenney Lyke were upgraded to four-star recruits after the latest ratings were released by Scout.com.

The 6-4, 295-pound Jones is the top-ranked defensive tackle in the state and is rated second in the Midwest, while the 6-2, 185-pound Lyke is the top-ranked safety in the state and second-rated in the Midwest.

Jones and Lyke join Downers Grove South offensive lineman Erik Swenson, Hinsdale South defensive lineman Josh King, Lincoln-Way West offensive lineman Bryan Brokop and Bolingbrook linebacker Tuf Borland as four-star ranked prospects in the junior class.

Lyke adds Terps

Another Big Ten school has joined the fray and offered new four-star recruit Lyke.

“I like that their program is on the rise and I think that they are moving in the right direction,” Lyke said.

One thing that Lyke enjoys about the coaching staff is their openness and honesty with him to this point in the recruiting process.

“They said they like just how I play defensive back in general,’’ Lyke said. “They said I’m versatile, so they could play me anywhere on the field. I like that the coaches don’t sugarcoat anything and how they are honest about recruiting.”

In the past several weeks, Lyke has added offers from Baylor, Penn State, Nebraska andIllinois. Additionally, he took trips to Ohio State and Notre Dame.

“What I will be looking for on visits are the football program itself and how they would develop me, plus if I could come in and make an impact,” Lyke said.