Football recruiting notebook: Summer review

The pace of the high school football recruiting process seems to quicken each year and the class of 2019 is no exception. This summer a slew of top prospects gave oral commitments to colleges.

Jahleel Billingsley’s commitment to Alabama was the big story of the summer. The Phillips tight end committed to the Crimson Tide in July. Billingsley, a 6-5, 225-pound rising senior, has a nose for the ball and the size to play all over the field.

The Wildcats are loaded with talented athletes. Fabian McCray, a 6-2, 180-pound jack of all trades, gave an oral commitment to Illinois just days before Billingsley made his decision. The Illini picked up a commitment from Phillips defensive back Joseph Thompson back in April.

Michigan State was another popular choice with local recruits. Bolingbrook running back Anthony Williams Jr. and Simeon quarterback Alante Brown are committed to the Spartans. Both are playmakers that will be impact players this season.

Northwestern had a second consecutive year of success with locals. Batavia linebacker Michael Jansey Jr., New Trier linebacker Duke Ogles and Bolingbrook defensive end Cameron Mitchell all committed to the Wildcats this summer.

Most of the area’s best prospects have already made their decisions, but the top recruit in the state, Crystal Lake South’s Trevor Keegan, is still available. He’s a

Keegan, a 6-3, 310-pound offensive lineman, has offers from all over the country, including Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan State and Ohio State.

OTHERS TO WATCH

There are three other linemen in the area to keep tabs on this fall. Jacobs’ 6-8, 315-pound offensive lineman Joacheim Price has offers from most of the Big Ten and has visited Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa State.

Perspectives defensive lineman Dominic Moore opened a lot of eyes over the spring and summer. The 6-7, 275-pounder has a very high ceiling. Central Michigan and Wyoming have already offered.

Homewood-Flossmoor defensive lineman Isaiah Coe should make a big impact this season as well, expect his recruiting to heat up.

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