Was held on Sunday afternoon at Gately picture perfect weather. overall numbers around the 120-150 kids in total.
NIU has a testing phase and then goes two sessions in pads for all players with a 15-20 minute break in between sessions. Overall I really like the NIU set up especially in pads. Was also interesting to see QB's in particular have to throw with pads on and more than a few QB's struggled in getting used to throwing in pads...maybe something the various QB coaches need to consider maybe in training kids for camps?
Overall talent level at NIU camp? Ehhh.
I was several familiar kids and a few new ones to keep track of here a quick rundown (no roster provided).
TE Charley Vicaito DGS- 2017 kid has good size ran pretty well.
DB Kevin Block Plainfield North- another 2017 name showed very good speed and quickness. Bigger kid at least 6-foot-0 long kid with some tools. Was also good in positional work and has very good closing speed.
LB Colton Folliard McHenry- senior to be is the cousin of NIU standout Sean Folliard. Colton has good size and tools but I still feel he will eventually wind up playing defensive line for someone. Has decent tools but his size and overall speed tells me more of a DE type. Lower D1/FCS level kid and for NIU? My guess more of a preferred walk-on type for now.
OL Johari Branch Phillips- played at Urban prep last season but is transferring over to Phillips. Was easily the best overall name to watch from the OL group. Has good size (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) and also moves well. showed above average feet, good balance and punch. Still needs toi refine a few things but at minimum Branch should draw FCVS looks and above this summer and early fall.
QB Jonathon Gladstone DePaul Prep- very familiar with Jonathon and overall he's a steady performer. has a bit more size and length compared to some others in the Illinois 2017 QB class. Seemed to struggle early on getting used to throwing in pads but then made the adjustment. Overall a solid performance here.
More to follow
NIU has a testing phase and then goes two sessions in pads for all players with a 15-20 minute break in between sessions. Overall I really like the NIU set up especially in pads. Was also interesting to see QB's in particular have to throw with pads on and more than a few QB's struggled in getting used to throwing in pads...maybe something the various QB coaches need to consider maybe in training kids for camps?
Overall talent level at NIU camp? Ehhh.
I was several familiar kids and a few new ones to keep track of here a quick rundown (no roster provided).
TE Charley Vicaito DGS- 2017 kid has good size ran pretty well.
DB Kevin Block Plainfield North- another 2017 name showed very good speed and quickness. Bigger kid at least 6-foot-0 long kid with some tools. Was also good in positional work and has very good closing speed.
LB Colton Folliard McHenry- senior to be is the cousin of NIU standout Sean Folliard. Colton has good size and tools but I still feel he will eventually wind up playing defensive line for someone. Has decent tools but his size and overall speed tells me more of a DE type. Lower D1/FCS level kid and for NIU? My guess more of a preferred walk-on type for now.
OL Johari Branch Phillips- played at Urban prep last season but is transferring over to Phillips. Was easily the best overall name to watch from the OL group. Has good size (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) and also moves well. showed above average feet, good balance and punch. Still needs toi refine a few things but at minimum Branch should draw FCVS looks and above this summer and early fall.
QB Jonathon Gladstone DePaul Prep- very familiar with Jonathon and overall he's a steady performer. has a bit more size and length compared to some others in the Illinois 2017 QB class. Seemed to struggle early on getting used to throwing in pads but then made the adjustment. Overall a solid performance here.
More to follow
