WR Jordan Westerkamp - Class of 2012

Jordan Westerkamp (Lombard, Ill./Montini Catholic) is only a junior but he's showing why the University of Illinois decided to offer him a scholarship. In the state quarterfinals, Westerkamp torched Sycamore for a state record 228 yards on 11 receptions. He followed that up with 9 grabs and 175 yards. "There's not a cornerback in the state that can cover Jordan (Westerkamp) man-to-man," said Montini quarterback, Matt Westekamp, the cousin of Jordan Westerkamp.

Montini Catholic played Chatham-Glenwood on Saturday afternoon for the 5A crown in Illinois. Heading into that game, Jordan Westerkhamp had 1, 474 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns. By the end of the day, those totals were up to 1,640 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Montini raced to a 28-7 halftime lead over Chatham-Glenwood and the Broncos played ball control offense in the 2nd half to claim back-to-back state titles with a 34-21 victory. Westerkamp finished with 7 receptions and 146 yards, scoring 3 touchdowns. He also drew high praise from both his both head coaches involved on Satruday.

"You have to game-plan for him (Westerkamp)," said Chatham-Glenwood coach Dan Rourke. "You could see why he's already got an offer from Illinois. He makes plays. Even when you think you have him covered, he still makes plays and breaks your back."

Montini coach Chris Andreano has been coaching high school football at Montini for 32 years and he had this to say about his blue-chip wide receiver.

"Jordan Westerkamp is the best player I've ever had," Coach Andreano said. "That's saying a lot. His dad (Bob) was a standout for us and he played here at Illinois. I have sent numerous kids to play D-1 football and Jordan is probably the best I've ever had.

"Jordan at his position has all the tools that you need to be a special player. He's fast, he's got great vertical jump, he's got a 40-inch vertical jump, he's got great body control, he runs great routes, he's got great releases, he can bend a guy one way and break another and still have a burst to the ball in the air. Jordan has great ability to catch everything. He literally catches everything. He's got really strong hands."

Is there a chance that Westerkamp could follow in the footsteps of his father and play his college football for the Fighting Illini?

"I'm just taking it all in right now," said the 6-foot, 185-pound Westerkamp. "There are a lot of schools I'm looking at. Northwestern, Alabama, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio State and Nebraska are all on my short list. I’m going to see what happens with offers and contact from schools during the spring evaluation period. At that point, I’ll know which schools have the most interest in me and then I should be able to start to narrow things down further. I definitely want to keep all options open right now.

"I'm going to hit some camps in the spring and summer. My dad always tells me that I need to work hard and keep improving. You can never be satisfied if you want to be great."

And that's exactly what Westerkamp was on Saturday. Great.

OTHER MONTINI CATHOLIC PROSPECTS:

OL Zach Taylor (Lombard, Ill./Montini Catholic)


Class of 2011, 6-4, 275 pounds

Taylor helped lead the way for the Broncos' impressive running attack and his coach feels Taylor is being overlooked. "It's a shame that recruiting has gotten to the point that there are seniors who happen to be late bloomers are getting overlooked." Montini Catholic coach Chris Andreano said. "It just started to click for Zach this year but since most schools like to fill up there recruiting classes by the end of summer, Zach and other seniors are getting left behind. There's no doubt in my mind that he can play in the Big Ten."

RB/DB Anthony Taylor (Lombard, Ill./Montini Catholic)

Class of 2012, 6-0, 175 pounds Taylor averaged 7 yards per carry in the state championship game. There's no doubt that opposing teams will focus on Westerkamp next season and that should bode well for Taylor, who shows excellent speed and elusiveness. "I feel that Anthony Taylor is going be a big-time prospect." Andreano said. "College coaches are going to have to take a look at him. Anthony is really quick. There's no doubt in my mind that he can play at the next level."