O'Brien Likes Tennesse; Perkins Likes the SEC; Dieter Tears It Up at Under-Armour

Danny O”Brien (Flint, Mi./Powers Catholic) comes from a basketball family. His sisters and cousins all played FBS level basketball and Danny admits that he thought he was going to have a future on the hard-wood.

“I’m still playing basketball but football is my path now,” said O’Brien, a 6-foot-3, 287-pound defensive tackle. “My job on the basketball court now is to get rebounds and use my five fouls. Football is my passion now and it has been since my freshman year.

“I played tight end and defensive end as a freshman and was moved to the defensive line my sophomore year. I put up some very good numbers my sophomore year and that’s when colleges started taking notice.

“Last summer I went to Tennessee and they offered me a scholarship and that’s when things really took off for me. I camped at Vanderbilt and Ohio State last summer as well. Michigan has now offered and I’m going to take a closer look at them.”

O’Brien only has two scholarship offers. Why haven’t more schools come to the table with an offer?

“I think most schools think I’m a lock to Tennessee.” He said. “I like Tennessee a lot. I liked the campus when I visited last year. I like the coaches. I liked the game atmosphere when I went to the Alabama game and I’m a hunter and fisherman and there’s plenty of places to do that in Tennessee.

“Having said all that, I’m open and want to check out other schools Besides Michigan and Tennessee, I would like to hear from Alabama, LSU, Auburn, USC, Iowa, Nebraska and Boston College. I plan on going to Wisconsin’s junior day coming up. I’m going to check out Iowa after Wisconsin and I’m going to Tennessee, Michigan and Michigan State for junior days.”

O’Brien finished with 89 tackles and 9 sacks as a junior and received several accolades from state and local media.

MY TAKE: After talking to O'Brien, I feel it's going to be hard for anyone to overtake Tennessee. The coaches there have planted roots with the family and Danny likes everthying about the school.
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Athlete David Perkins (South Bend, Ind./Washington) is going to be a prospect that the college coaches will be checking out this spring. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder excels on both sides of the football. As a running back this past season, Perkins had 85 carries and rushed for 783 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, he had 63 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.


“I started out my freshman year at Kalamazoo (MI) Central and then transferred to Washington High School in South Bend, Indiana for my junior year.” Perkins said.

“I expected a lot from myself coming off the camp and Combine circuit this past summer. I really wanted to have a big junior season and that’s exactly what I did. I was named junior all-state and made several all-area teams.”

The scholarship offers for Perkins are starting to roll in.

“Syracuse, Cincinnati, Bowling Green, Toledo and Ohio University have offered so far.” Perkins said. “I plan on going to Indiana’s junior day coming up and I’m also looking at going down to Mississippi State for an unofficial visit. My high school coaches talk to the coaches at Mississippi State so that’s how that relationship started.

“Most schools are recruiting me as an athlete. I’ve been told that I can project at several different positions on either side of the ball. I’m planning on going to some camps and combines again this spring and summer but nothing is set in stone yet. I do plan on trying everything I can to graduate early so I can participate in spring football with the school I sign with.

“The schools I’m most interested in right now are Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, Florida, Florida State, Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan and Penn State.”

MY TAKE: I first met Perkins last year at a combine. Very good athlete, I see him more as a defensive player either at linebacker or defensive end.
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Wide receiver Dieter Gehrig (South Bend, Ind./Washington) had a very good junior year and also one of the top prospects at his position at the Under-Armour combine that was held in Orlando last month. Gehrig has a MAC offer and he’s planning several unofficial visits in the near future.


“Bowling Green is my only scholarship offer right now,” said the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder. “I’m going to Notre Dame later this month for their junior day and possibly a few more but I’m not sure where I’ll be visiting after that.”

Dieter started his high school career at nearby Adams High School and transferred to Washington after his freshman year. “The coaches at Adams didn’t like playing underclassmen so I made the move to Washington.” He said.

“The conditioning program and the overall program were better fits for me at Washington. I had a break-out sophomore season and this past year I started every game at cornerback and wide receiver. I spent most of the year in double-coverage but still managed 48 catches for 985 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“My favorite schools right now are Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Purdue, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Michigan State and Minnesota.”

Dieter says he’ll be camping at Ohio State and Notre Dame this summer. He was named to the junior all-state team this past season as well at the junior dream-team but the South Bend Tribune Dream Team.

MY TAKE: Met Gehrig at the Under-Armour combine where he was praised by all the coaches. He held his own and then some against some pretty tough defensive backs. Ran well and tested well.

More Chicago School Visits

Lemont (Ill.) High School in recent years has produced Bret and Aaron Nagel (Northwestern) as well as Graham Pocic, the starting center at Illinois. Eric Michaelsen thought he was going to struggle this season but his team finished with an 11-1 record, losing in the state semi-finals.

 In 2011, Lemont will feature a pair of FBS level linebacker prospects in Brad Uher (6-2, 215) and Kyle Krul (6-1, 210). The real prize however is sophomore offensive lineman Ethan Pocic 6-6, 265). “Graham (Pocic) was good but his brother (Ethan) is going to be a much better prospect,” Coach 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.”

Homewood-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.

Head coach Craig Buzea says he has a crop of juniors that could be special. “Tim Williams (6-6, 215) 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) 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) 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.

*QUICK HITTERS*

2012 Quarterback prospect 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 yesterday.

2012 wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp (Lombard, Ill./Montini Catholic) added an offer from Northwestern. Illinois was the first school to offer.

2011 linebacker prospect Nick Temple (Indianapolis, Ind./Warren Central) had a signing ceremony yesterday at his school. Temple will be graduating early and will enroll at Cincinnati next month.m Notre Dame yesterday.

hwestern and Notre Dame. His teammate, offensive tackle Jordan Diamond,

St. Pat's, Waubonsie Valley & Naperville Central

The last FBS level prospect that was produced by St. Patrick’s High School in Chicago was Indiana offensive lineman Justin Pagan. The Shamrocks have a couple of prospects to watch in the Class of 2012. “I feel that our quarterback has a chance to play at the next level,” said St. Pat’s coach, Dan Galante. “Ryan Tentler is 6-foot, 180-pounds, he’s got a strong arm but he also throws with touch and he’s smart. Ryan threw for 2,700 yards and 33 touchdowns as a junior. College coaches should also check out Guy DiBalsamo. Guy never came off the field. He was a wide receiver, a defensive back and handled both kick and punt returns for us.

Aurora (Ill.) Waubonsie Valley is the same school that produced R.J. Luke, who went to Penn State to play his college football. Coach Paul Murphy says that he’s got a junior and a sophomore that college coaches should get to know. “Demetrius Gray (6-3, 180) is a Big Ten wide receiver in my mind,” Coach Murphy said. He’s a playmaker and he has all the physical tools that the guys at the next level are looking for. I have a sophomore running back, Mark Guido (5-10, 180), that is going to be special. He runs hard. I’m really excited about Austin’s development and what he’s going to look like in a few years.”

While out on the road last week, I stopped by Naperville (Ill.) Central to see head coach Mike Stine and to talk about his future FBS prospects. Coach Stine has been at Naperville Central for 28 years and has seen his fair share of talent make it to the next level and he has one former player, Owen Dainiels, playing for the Houston Texans. “I have some kids that might interest the college coaches,” Coach Stine said. “Zach Borta (6-1, 225) plays defensive end for us. He’s active and made a lot of tackles this year. He’s got a motor on him and he could possible stand up at the next level. A solid defensive end is Rob Girgis (6-2, 220). Like Borta, Girgis just made a lot of plays. He’s always around the football. Ian Lewandowski (6-0, 195) played receiver and defensive back for us and our running back, Matt Randolph (6-1, 195) had a nice year. Another name I’m going to add is John Dulleck (6-2, 210), who played linebacker for us and could possible put his hand on the ground in college.”

OL Johnny Caspers - Glenbard West

Although Wheaton (Ill.) Warrenville-South has been enjoying the most success on the gridiron in Illinois, there’s another school that’s banging on the door and ready to break through. Glenbard West and Head Coach Chad Hetlet have it “Going On” as they say. The Hilltoppers are one of the first stops for college recruiters. Glenbard West produced Notre Dame offensive guard Chris Watt a few years ago. This year it was all about Iowa verbal commitment Jordan Walsh. The 6-foot-3, 275-pounder had a great senior season, leading his team to a state quarter final appearance and was also named all-state.

2011 could be a great year for Glenbard West as well. Not only does Coach Hetlet have some talented skill returning but he’s got two major FBS level prospects returning on the offensive and defensive line. Defensive tackle Tommy Schutt (6-3, 301) already has a boat load of offers and then there’s offensive lineman Johnny Caspers. College recruiters that have come in to check out Schutt have come away very impressed with Caspers, a versatile lineman that could play guard or center at the next level. 

Glenbard West is also fortunate to have a coach, John Sigmund, who played tight end for Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin. Coach Sigmund knows what it takes to play at the next level and he feels Caspers has all the tools to be successful.

“Johnny (Caspers) is very similar to Chris (Watt) in his run blocking ability,” Coach Sigmund said. “Johnny’s initial burst and strike are very good. He’s a special guy but a forgotten guy this year because Jordan and Tommy have somewhat stolen the spotlight. Again, Johnny gets off the ball extremely well. He’s as advanced in that part of his game as a junior as Chris Watt or Jordan Walsh. There’s not a doubt that Johnny will be highly recruited. He doesn’t have Jordan’s foot-speed but he’s got a whole lot of nasty in him.

“What coaches are going to like about Johnny Caspers is his attention to detail. He’s a quick learner and he always wants to get better. Johnny’s strike is unbelievable and his finish is as good as Chris or Jordan’s was. Johnny is athletic. He can pull, trap, he gets out to the 2^nd and 3^rd levels. He’s a lacrosse player, so he has very good stamina.

“I guess what separates Johnny Caspers from Chris Watt and Jordan Caspers is just being able to learn the game a little more. Johnny needs to learn how to get his shoulders over his knees a bit more and where Jordan and Chris ran through the 2^nd level, Johnny gets there but doesn’t explode through it but that’s going to come. He’s a big-time kid that is driven and he’s going to be a good lineman at the next level. He’d be a great Big Ten guard. Johnny’s that nasty guy on the field but he’s always watching film and he’s very popular with is classmates. He’s like a magnet. He could run for class president today and win.”

Caspers was brought up to the varsity as a sophomore and will be a three-year starter next season. He has been to Iowa and Northwestern on unofficial visits and says he’s looking at several programs right now. “I’m really open to any school that wants to recruit me,” said the 6-foot-3, 265-pounder. “If I had to name some early favorites of mine, I’d have to say that Iowa, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Stanford, Cal, Arizona and Texas would all be on that list.”

Caspers carries a 5.1 GPA in the classroom. He’d like to major in either history or mechanical engineering in college.

Coach Hetlet says 6'4, 195-pound wide receiver Mark Hiben (2011) is being overlooked.  "Had 10 plays this year over 40 yards," Coach Hetlet said. "He set a state record with 319 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns in a single game this year which just happened to be in the play-offs against a strong opponent (Lincoln-Way East). When he gets it going, nobody is going to catch him."

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN WATCHING GAME FILM OF GLENBARD WEST, HIGHLIGHTS OF TOMMY SCHUTT AND JOHNNY CASPERS AS WELL AS VIDEO FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY. CONTACT GEORGE.WIDMAN@NATIONALPREPNETWORK.COM

Chicago Senior Updates

Running back Mika ‘il McCall (Dalton, Ill./Thornridge) was one of the best football players I had the chance to see in person this year. McCall is committed to Michigan State and he recently took his official visit to East Lansing. “Everything went great,” said the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder. “I’m very comfortable with my decision and never wavered at all during the season. Michigan State has a good tradition of running backs and the program is really strong now with Coach Dantonio.” McCall an all-state running back selection rushed for 1,300 yards and scored 15 touchdowns in only 7 games.

Rafe Kiely (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) had the season that his coach, Joe Wardynski, was expecting and that’s why the scholarship offers are on the table. “Rafe really went after it this year,” Wardynski said. “We expected him [Kiely] to move into a leadership role and that’s exactly what he did. His goal was to play FBS football and he’s going to happen for him.” Kiely is beginning to take official visits. “I’m going to Wyoming this weekend,” said the 6-foot-3, 300-pound guard. “Wyoming actually made an in-home visit last night. I have an offer from Army and I’m going to visit them in January. There are also a lot of schools like Arizona, Oregon State, Northern Illinois and Illinois that are telling me that I’m still on their board but they are waiting on the decision of prospects ahead of me. I don’t have a leader. Army is intriguing. It’s quite a commitment but I realize that a degree from West Point could set me up for life. We’ll see what happens in January.”

One could make that argument that Ryan Klachko (Springfield, Ill./Sacred-Heart Griffin) is the best offensive lineman in the state. Klachko gave Nebraska his verbal commitment during the summer and took his official visit to Lincoln during the season. Ryan says he’s excited that the Huskers are moving to the Big Ten. “The funny thing about the move is that the longest drive for my parents will be to my home games,” said the 6-foot-4, 290-pounder. “I’m in the middle of Big Ten country here in Illinois. I think it’s a great move for the school. There will be a lot of great games in the Big Ten now.” A lot has been made of Nebraska coach Bo Pelini’s fiery coaching style. Is Klachko ready to be coached hard? “Oh yea,” he said laughing. “I’ve been coached hard my entire life. The coaches are there to do a job. If Coach (Barney) Cotton or Coach Pelini feel the need to chew me out, that’s fine with me, Coach Pelini has a lot of fire because he loves Nebraska football and he wants to win, I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

2-Time All-State LB Searching for Opportunity

When I spent my week in St. Louis this year, I asked every coach to name the best player in the area. All of them said Rob Standard on offense and Jason Meehan on defense. Webster Groves coach Cliff Ice raves about Meehan and says it's a travesty he's being overlooked. Kirkwood coach Matt Irvin called me after playing Webster Groves and said Meehan was the best player he's seen all year.

Linebacker Jason Meehan (Webster Groves, Mo./Webster Groves)  despite being named all-state and drawing raves from his head coach and opposing coaches as well seems to have his recruitment stuck in neutral. “I really don’t understand it,” said Webster Groves coach Cliff Ice. “I haven’t seen a better linebacker this year. Why is this happening? Since I can’t find the answer, I might guess and take a stab that it could have something to do with a sub-par combine performance last summer.

“I have to believe college coaches are looking for football players and not workout warriors. He [Meehan] is a football player. There’s not another linebacker I’d want more on my team .”

Meehan says he does have an offer from Eastern Illinois but he’s still holding out hope that in the next few months, schools contact him and take a closer look.

“Eastern (Illinois) is my only offer,” said the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Meehan. “I’m hearing from some MAC schools but no offer yet. I’m completely wide open and would be open to listening to any school but Boston College, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan and Michigan State would be the schools are at the top of my wish list.”

Meehan had 177 tackles in 2010. 123 of those tackles were solo. He also had 13 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and five interceptions.  “Jason played offense for us this year as well,” Coach Ice said. “He only had 9 catches but he averaged 56 yards per touch. The video of those catches is eye-opening because Jason outruns  a lot of defensive backs. Jason is faster this year and he’s better all-around this year. That’s saying a lot because he was probably our best player as a junior.”

(Jason Meehan (left) with brother John Meehan receiving martial arts medals.)

Catch Some Rising Stars

Plainfield East High School in Plainfield, Illinois has only been playing football for a few seasons and although the Bengals only won one game this season, they have four FBS level prospects that college recruiters are going to want to check out.Plainfield East is coached by former Marian Catholic and Eastern Michigan football player Mike Romelli.


                                                                1. ATH Myles Walters 6-3, 190 (Class of 2012)

I say Walters is an athlete because he’s versatile and can play so many different positions. He lines up at a wing back and fullback for East but he has the potential at the next level to be a super back or h-back. He could also play on the defensive side of the ball. Walters has a very good frame, he’s fast and has great hands. What I liked most about Walters is that he’s physical. Could be a mismatch as a tight end, linebackers will have a hard time running with him. Starting power forward on basketball team and also a National Honor Society Student.

2. WR Jawan Straughter 6-0, 179 (Class of 2012)

Talk to Jawan and he’s very quiet and unassuming. On the field, he’s a playmaker and a leader. “Jawan has great hands but he’s still learning how to play the position,” said East head coach Mike Romelli. “Jawan doesn’t have the top end speed that the Big Ten schools are looking for right now but he’s very quick, he’s got a nice burst and he’ll catch the ball in traffic. I’m looking for Jawan to have a big off season for us. Right now I feel Jawan can play in the MAC at either wide receiver or defensive back. He’d be a great addition to a mid-major school. We converted him from an option quarterback to a receiver.”

                                                      3. OL Brian Bennett 6-8, 270 (Class of 2012)

That’s not a typo. Brian Bennett is a legit 6-foot-8 and 270-pounds. Here’s the catch and why 95% of the country hasn’t heard about Bennett yet. He’s a basketball player that’s going to play his first year of organized football as a senior. When Bennett walked into the coaches offices at Plainfield East my jaw hit the floor. He’s got long arms, a great frame and he looks like a left tackle. He doesn’t have the lanky basketball frame. Brian is put together very well and according to his basketball coach, he’s got a mean streak. College coaches that are in Chicago visiting high schools and making in-home visits need to get the Plainfield East basketball schedule.

4. OL Tyler Lancaster 6-3, 240 (Class of 2013)

“Tyler is the best sophomore offensive lineman that I’ve seen,” Coach Romelli said. “I was an all-state lineman in high school. I played FBS football at Eastern Michigan on the offensive line and I know offensive line talent. Tyler Lancaster is going to be a great one. We have him playing guard right now and he traps and pulls and just opens holes. We’re moving to a spread offense next year and I’m moving Tyler to tackle because of his athleticism. He has long arms and gets after it in the weight-room. Tyler has everything right now that college coaches are looking for. He’s got very good flexibility and knee bend. He’s got a great recognition and understanding of taking angles and he’s a relentless worker. When it’s all said and done, I expect Tyler to be on everyone’s recruiting board. He could play guard or center, if he isn’t done growing which I think is the case, he could possibly be a tackle.”

If you're interested in seeing film of Plainfield East or highlights on these four prospects, contact GEORGE WIDMAN at George.Widman@nationalprepnetwork.com