Chicago Sun-Times

Nazareth’s Love versatile, looking to make impact

- BETH LONG Follow me on Twitter @ Beth_ Long.

No. 11 Nazareth is one of the youngest teams in the area. The Roadrunner­s are known for turning out talented athletes, including current Notre Dame defensive back Julian Love and Iowa State recruit Isaiah Lee, one of the only seniors on the field for Nazareth.

Junior Michael Love, Julian’s brother, is next in line. The 5- 9, 170- pound athlete can play running back, receiver and defensive back and is sneaky fast. Love is quick to talk about the potential for the Roadrunner­s this season.

“It’s high,” Love said. “I think there is no ceiling for us this year. We can always get better, of course. There is no such thing as being as good as you can be.”

As expected, recruiting is starting to pick up for Love.

“Recruiting is going well,” he said. “I get Twitter messages, a lot of emails. I have Notre Dame in mind.”

One thing that Love is hoping to show during his junior season is just how he could affect the game at the college level.

“I bring my selflessne­ss to the team. I am a team player,” Love said. “I always have my teammates’ backs, and I love blocking for people and helping make plays for other people.”

Love’s teammate Devin Blakley has one scholarshi­p offer so far, from Bowling Green.

“Recruiting is going well,” Blakley said. “Coaches have been communicat­ing with me a lot since they could on Sept. 1.”

The 5- 10, 180- pound athlete has been making big plays all season for the Roadrunner­s.

“I think I have gotten a little bit faster this season, and I understand the schemes a little bit more,” Blakley said.

“With so many playmakers, I think people have to respect all of our options. And it really opens up more options for other people, too, so we are taking advantage of that.”

Receiver Diamond Evans and 6- 6, 285- pound offensive lineman Matt Keeler, both juniors, have been opening eyes and should start receiving recruiting attention soon.

Nazareth is 4- 0 and has a big East Suburban Catholic showdown against Benet ( 3- 1) on Friday.

Mihalic commits

Niles North punter Nick Mihalic committed to Western Michigan this week.

“I would like to thank [ coach Tim Lester, coach Kyle Derickson] and the rest of the football staff for believing inme on and off the field,” Mihalic tweeted. “I am officially a Bronco.”

Niles North is 2- 2 after rallying to beat Elk Grove 35- 34 in Week 4.

 ?? WORSOM ROBINSON/ FOR THE SUN- TIMES ?? Nazareth junior Michael Love might be able to follow his brother Julian to Notre Dame.
WORSOM ROBINSON/ FOR THE SUN- TIMES Nazareth junior Michael Love might be able to follow his brother Julian to Notre Dame.
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