Chicago Sun-Times

Kokosiouli­s’ first offer is from N. Illinois

- BETH LONG Follow me on Twitter @Beth_Long.

It has been quite the junior year for Maine South’s Fotis Kokosiouli­s. The running back had a tremendous season, putting his name on the map while helping the Hawks upset Loyola to win the Class 8A state title.

Kokosiouli­s ( 5- 9, 175 pounds) showed his ability to run downhill. He amassed 1,275 rushing yards during the regular season, averaging nearly nine yards a carry.

Kokosiouli­s’ recruitmen­t has started picking up. He recently received his first scholarshi­p offer, from Northern Illinois.

“They invited me to see a practice and come out, so I did,” Kokosiouli­s said. “I watched it, got a tour, talked to the coaches, and they offered me.” That feeling was unmatched. “I was so excited,” he said. “At first, I wasn’t sure if they were going to offer me. So when I was talking to the coaches and they said they were going to offer, I was a little surprised but mainly very happy. Plus, I know that the MAC is a conference I really can show my skills in.”

The nod from Northern Illinois was a jump- start for the Hawks’ offensive weapon.

“Before, it was going kind of slow,” Kokosiouli­s said. “But with Northern offering me, it is a school I always have targeted, so that was very exciting. Other than that, I visited Miami of Ohio, Columbia, Fordham. I was also invited to Stanford’s junior day

“The schools I’ve seen have all been nice. I really like New York City. It was cool to see some different schools, and now I can kind of compare some to others.”

During the offseason, Kokosiouli­s is busy playing lacrosse.

“It definitely helps keep me in shape because there is a lot of sprinting,” Kokosiouli­s said. “It also helps because I’m still doing quick burst and cutting when I’m dodging. A lot of the same movements I do in football.”

Kokosiouli­s is open to more visits this spring.

“I’m hoping to see Stanford, and other than that, right now we haven’t really decided,” Kokosiouli­s said.

Metea’s Reed to W. Michigan

Metea Valley junior receiver Jayden Reed announced on Twitter that he’ll play for Western Michigan.

“I want to thank every coach that gave me the opportunit­y to play next level football at their university it was a really great experience for me,” Reed tweeted.

A versatile two- way athlete who can play defensive back or receiver, Reed also had offers from Central Michigan, Miami ( Ohio) and Toledo. Reed is the fourth area prospect to orally commit to Western Michigan, following Rich Central defensive back Matthew Stuckey Jr., De La Salle linebacker Joseph Bonds and Lakes linebacker Ryan Selig.

 ??  ?? Maine South running back Fotis Kokosiouli­s ( 5- 9, 175 pounds) rushed for 1,275 yards during the 2016 regular season, averaging nearly nine yards per carry. | BRADLEY LEEB/ AP
Maine South running back Fotis Kokosiouli­s ( 5- 9, 175 pounds) rushed for 1,275 yards during the 2016 regular season, averaging nearly nine yards per carry. | BRADLEY LEEB/ AP
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