Beth Long’s football recruiting notebook

Homewood-Flossmoor junior Justin Hall has a knack for making electric plays and colleges are taking notice.

“So far my offers are from Iowa State, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan,” Hall said. “Hopefully more come once spring evaluation starts and coaches can see me in person.”

The 5-8, 175-pound athlete is also hearing from Penn State, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota and knows exactly where his priorities lie this offseason.

“My offensive skill set as a receiver and running back,” Hall said. “I played primarily defense the past two seasons but I will see a huge role on offense this year. I want coach Buz to use me in every way possible and to have him trust me I need to be an elite in those skills.”

Greg Newsome to Northwestern

Glenbard North defensive back Greg Newsome gave an oral commitment to Northwestern this week.

“It is unreal,” Newsome said. I have dreamed of playing college football since I was a little kid and now this dream has come true. I had a pretty good idea that I was going to commit early I wanted to get it over with.”

The junior is 6-2, 170-pounds. Last season anchored a defense that helped Glenbard North advance to the second round of the Class 7A playoffs. The Panthers lost to eventual state champions East St. Louis.

A trip that enabled Newsome to see more of what Northwestern offered was the final piece of the puzzle that led to his commitment.

“I decided after I took my overnight visit with the team. I just felt at home,” Newsome said.

He also got to check out a spring practice while visiting.

“I enjoyed the practice is was a great, intense, defensive minded practice,” Newsome said. “I also enjoyed interacting with some of my future teammates.”

Newsome will play cornerback in college.

“What excites me is knowing I’m going to a program where my college coach has developed a lot of young men into great corners,” Newsome said.

I’Shawn Stewart getting close

Bolingbrook junior athlete I’Shawn Stewart is a prospect to watch heading into the spring.

He’s got offers from Iowa, Illinois, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan and more.

“I’ll be at Minnesota this weekend and plan on committing sometime near the end of the month,” Stewart said.

Stewart hasn’t narrowed his list down, but he’s got several schools he’s focusing on taking a second look at through April.

“I would like to visit where coaches are most interested in me and where I feel welcome and somewhere I will fit in,” Stewart said. “Some places will definitely be Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.”

Stewart has previously visited Iowa and Illinois.

“Iowa has always been there for me,” Stewart said. “Especially after I broke my ankle their and they were my first offer so they mean a lot to me. Their campus is great and just great school to me. With Illinois they are on the come up and that will be a great way for me to play and compete as a freshman. And Lovie Smith just makes everything so much better with being able to be coached by him.”