Sport in world

Leathernecks add 21 on national signing day, including 15 from Illinois

March 25, 2008 on 10:16 pm | In Athletics |

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois University had its largest national signing day under head coach Don Patterson, adding 21 players to the Leatherneck football program, including 15 from the state of Illinois and five who were members of state championship teams.

Ten of the 15 players from Illinois come from the Chicagoland area, including Kevin Palermo and Tim Franken from Class 4A state champion Driscoll Catholic, Adam Duvendack from Class 5A champ Metamora and Jordan Tassio from Naperville North’s Class 8A state title team. Additionally, the Leathernecks landed Nate Adams from a Euless Trinity program that won the state title in Texas’ largest classification.

“We have been very pleased with the response we have received from in-state programs, especially those in the Chicagoland area,” said Patterson. “Overall, I can say this is the best response we have ever received. The recruits who visited campus really caught on to the anticipation and enthusiasm that we have around here for the fall.”

The Leathernecks added 10 defensive players and 11 offensive players, including Tassio, the state’s Offensive Player of the Year who will now play at linebacker, and Rochester quarterback Wil Lunt, the state’s all-time leading career passer.

With 20 starters returning in 2008, Western Illinois’ recruiting efforts were focused on incoming freshmen, as 19 of the 21 additions were high school seniors.

“Not having as many immediate needs really gave us some leverage with our selections,” said Patterson. “We didn’t need to go out and sign at any cost. We didn’t ignore junior college players, but in the end decided that this was the best lineup for the future. Our coaching staff has really positioned us, more so than any other recruiting year, for long-term success.”

Nineteen high school seniors submitted National Letters of Intent today while two transfers were also added to the roster. Myers Hendrickson, son of offensive coordinator Mark Hendrickson, and Livington Senatus (pronounced SEN-a-toos), both began attending Western Illinois as sophomores in January. Hendrickson is not eligible for competition until 2009, after using a year of eligibility at Cornell last fall. Senatus spent last season at the College of the Sequoias.

Originaly from Source