Illinois offer big for Marwede
Loyola tight end Jake Marwede’s recent scholarship offer from Illinois was his first from a Big Ten school.
“Getting the offer means a lot,” Marwede said. “Not only is Illinois a great school academically, but it’s my first offer from a Power Five program. Also, it’s in my home state. In general, the high academics with the competitive level of the Big Ten I like. And also the fact that they like to use multipletight-end sets and are looking to do more with their tight ends in the future.
Recruiting has been an exciting process for the 6-5, 230-pound junior.
“More schools have been reaching out to me as the playoffs progressed,” Marwede said, “but I have really been putting recruiting on hold and focusing on my team and winning a state championship.”
Marwede rushed for two touchdowns in Loyola’s 41-0 win over Marist in the Class 8A state title game Saturday in DeKalb.
“I couldn’t be more excited,” Marwede said. “I am pumped for the whole team, and it’s an experience we will never forget.”
Cleveland chooses WIU
Hoffman Estates senior defensive lineman and tight end Dante Cleveland gave an oral commitment to Western Illinois last week.
“After conversing with my coaches and my parents and having a long talk with the Western Illinois coaches, I just felt that it was the best decision,” Cleveland said. “I felt excited and relieved when I committed. I had been wanting to commit for a while until the right time came around, and then I called all the coaches.”
Cleveland will focus on the defensive line at Western.
“I enjoy every bit of it,” Cleveland said. “I’m excited to get a chance to work with coach Moose [Brian Mohnsen], the defensiveline coach.
“The coaches were very excited when I told them I was committing. We have a very solid class coming in.”
Epting exploring options
After committing to Western Michigan, Proviso West senior athlete Rhashaun Epting has decided to take a step back.
“I decommitted because I committed too soon and I want to weigh my options until February,” Epting said. “And I didn’t think Western Michigan was the best fit for my football career and my education.”
So the 6-4, 210-pounder is back on the market.
“Recruiting is going pretty solid right now,” Epting said. “I am talking to a few schools, and I just visited Michigan State.”
As the recruiting cycle starts to draw to a close, there are several things that Epting will be looking for.
“I am going to be looking for a strength coach, someone that can develop me and help me reach my potential,” Epting said. “Also, I will be looking for coaches that will coach me and have me play in the best situation for the team and myself.”
Epting also has heard from Minnesota.