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