McCray racking up the offers
The buzz surrounding Phillips junior Fabian McCray started quickly. It hasn’t stopped gaining momentum.
He has received 20 scholarship offers, including ones from Cincinnati, Illinois, Iowa State, Northern Illinois and Purdue.
McCray turned heads on both sides of the ball for the Wildcats in 2017. He was a key part of Phillips’ drive to the Class 5A state title. His ability to read the field and play the ball helped him stand out on offense and defense.
“I think we have a chance at winning another state title,” McCray said.
But McCray has been kept busy with recruiting.
“Everything’s been going pretty good with recruiting so far,” McCray said.
In addition to the colleges that have offered, other schools have been in contact over the last several months.
“I’ve been talking to Minnesota, Michigan and Rutgers,” McCray said. “Plus, I plan on going to Kentucky sometime this spring or summer.”
McCray wants to build his knowledge base about the schools that have expressed interest in him.
“When I take visits, I am looking for the facilities, environment and the people who I will be around. Of course, mainly the players,” McCray said.
The 6- 2, 180- pound junior is focused on improving his game.
“I want to get bigger and faster,” McCray said. “That focus has been going great. I can see the growth in my size and speed.”
McCray has the speed and skill to play several positions, but he’s spending most of his time at defen- sive back and receiver.
“I am bigger than most defensive backs, and I think that will help take my game to the next level,” McCray said. “With my size, I can be a problem for all wide receivers.”
McCray is hoping to add slot receiver to his resume this fall, which will show schools his versatility.
“I’d like to be able to show colleges that I can play any receiver position,” McCray said. “I hear my strength as a receiver is my route running and ability to high- point the ball.”
Phillips will be loaded again next season. McCray expects several players to step up and make a name for themselves.
“Look for Leonard Smith,” McCray said. “He plays quarterback and defensive back. He came from Hubbard, and he will definitely open some eyes this season.
“Also Richard Price. He may be undersized, but he plays like he is 6 feet tall. I’m sure he’ll attract some schools, too.”
More names to watch
McCray’s teammate Dominic Bass might only be a freshman, but he’s adding offers quickly. The defensive lineman already has offers from Florida, Iowa State, Michigan and Michigan State.
Another athlete adding offers is Lake Zurich junior Luke Dwyer. The 6- 3, 200- pound linebacker, who is impressing schools with his size, has an offer from Colgate.
Lake Park junior Patrick Panasiuk, the younger brother of Michigan State’s Jacub Panasiuk, picked up an offer from Holy Cross.
Buffalo Grove linebacker Tom Trieb added an offer from Northern Illinois.