Oak Park QB Yates has NU in his blood
Oak Park-River Forest quarterback Lloyd Yates is headed to Northwestern. The 6-foot, 190-pounder received an offer from the Wildcats just 48 hours before he committed.
‘‘I’ve wanted to go to Northwestern for a while now,’’ Yates said. ‘‘The people there sold me. They are great people. And I just didn’t see a point in waiting any longer.
‘‘Getting the offer was exciting. I was happy to hear about it because Northwestern is a school that I have always been interested in.’’
Yates is the second rising senior from Oak Park-River Forest to give the Wildcats a verbal commitment. Offensive lineman Adam Lemke-Bell committed at the end of May and played a big part in Yates’ recruiting process.
‘‘Getting to play college ball with him, it’s indescribable,’’ Yates said. ‘‘We’ve built a strong relationship over the past couple of years, and it’s awesome knowing that I’m going to step on campus with a guy that I’ll do anything for.’’
Yates also has plenty of family connections with NU. His brother, dad, cousin and great-grandfather all graduated from the school with medical degrees.
‘‘They know it is a great school that is close to home,’’ Yates said. ‘‘And it has good football. It didn’t take much convincing them.’’
Yates, who accounted for more than 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior, also had offers from Northern Illinois, Akron, Western Michigan and Illinois State.
Reams sets decision date
Warren tight end Caleb Reams said he will announce his college decision Aug. 29, the night of the season opener against Lyons. He previously released a top five of Illinois, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Wake Forest and Bowling Green.
‘‘I am excited just to know and announce where I’ll be going, and it will lower my stress level because people really don’t know this process is stressful. I am excited that I can really focus on the season with my teammates.’’
Overall, the recruiting process has been a productive and memorable experience for Reams, a 6-3, 235-pounder.
‘‘Probably the best part has been all the visits and just getting to know all the coaches around the NCAA,’’ Reams said. ‘‘And meeting some of the players that you hear about on TV and everything.
‘‘It’s just a great experience. And I still look forward to the official visit of the school that I choose.’’
Emerging prospects
Several prospects have put themselves in the spotlight after productive seven-on-seven seasons, including Neuqua Valley tight end Brett Borske, Niles West wide receiver Quran Spillman and Niles West quarterback Tommy Galanopoulos.
Niles West coach Scott Baum said it’s only a matter of time before his players get more interest.
‘‘Tommy is a three-year starter, and he has really become a student of the game,’’ Baum said. ‘‘His mental prep is phenomenal. And Quran makes plays. We have been to a bunch of tournaments, and I don’t know if I have seen a better receiver.’’