Chicago Sun-Times

13 offers and counting for OL Gross

- BETH LONG

Loyola is loaded with prospects, including offensive lineman Charlie Gross, a 6- 5, 265- pound junior with 13 scholarshi­p offers.

“The offseason is going great,” Gross said. “As a team, I believe we are really improving and getting better every day.”

On an individual level, Gross’ focus has been on becoming more flexible.

“Flexibilit­y is something I’ve been improving on,” he said. “I want to be pretty flexible for the upcoming season.”

Recruiting also is on his mind.

“A lot of opportunit­ies have opened up for me this year, and it’s pretty awesome,” Gross said.

His latest offers are from New Mexico, Fordham and Western Kentucky.

“Getting out and seeing all of the places that have [ made offers to] me has been pretty fun,” Gross said.

The first offer for Gross came from Ball State, and it was one to remember.

“It felt like a weight off my shoulders. It was amazing,” Gross said.

Flowers getting looks

Glenbard North is full of talented prospects, including junior Josh Flowers.

“The offseason is going good,” Flowers said. “I’ve been getting a lot of good offseason work with Midwest Boom and learned a lot of new stuff. I’ve also been in the weight room and been doing training to get bigger and faster.”

The 5- 11, 165- pounder has gotten into the recruiting process.

“I’m trusting the process and staying patient,” Flowers said. “I’m definitely not in a rush. I’ve been talking to a lot of schools and just waiting for one to pull the trigger.”

Lots of schools are expressing interest.

“I’ve taken visits to Central Michigan, SDSU [ South Dakota State] and Illinois State,” Flowers said. “I’m planning on going up to Western Michigan this summer. So far that’s the only one I know for sure.”

Flowers is an integral part of Midwest Boom’s seven- onseven squad that has made a name for itself across the traveling circuit. He is com- ing off an MVP performanc­e at its spring game.

“With visits, I’m looking forward to good people and a good hospitalit­y that fits me,” Flowers said. “I will also look into their academic programs.”

Flowers has his eyes set on the fall as the season approaches.

“I’ve got better feet and better off man coverage,” Flowers said. “I also worked on a lot of ball skills.”

Shannon a Gopher

Another top junior prospect went off the board when Oswego defensive lineman Noah Shannon recently gave an oral commitment to Minnesota.

“After my visit at Minnesota and sitting down and talking with my family, I have decided that I am furthering my education and athletic career for the next four years at the University of Minnesota,” Shannon tweeted.

He joins top- rated junior prospects Tyrik Henderson ( Glenbard North defensive back) and Elijah Teague ( Marist defensive lineman) as Minnesota recruits.

Follow me on Twitter @ Beth_ Long.

 ??  ?? Coveted junior defensive lineman Noah Shannon of Oswego made an oral commitment to Minnesota. The Gophers have commitment­s from three Chicago- area juniors. | ALLEN TRIEU/ SCOUT. COM
Coveted junior defensive lineman Noah Shannon of Oswego made an oral commitment to Minnesota. The Gophers have commitment­s from three Chicago- area juniors. | ALLEN TRIEU/ SCOUT. COM
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