Aug. 11--At 6:30 a.m. Friday, three days before the start of fall practice, Bolingbrook football coach John Ivlow glanced over at the Raiders' football stadium.
The Raiders, who won a Class 8A state championship in 2011, open the season Aug. 29 at Glenbard West.
But Ivlow, who made stops in Denver and San Francisco and played two games at running back for the Bears, wasn't thinking about the opener, nor the first day of practice.
His thoughts shifted toward his star senior middle linebacker, Tuf Borland.
"I was out making some rounds in the school area, and I was sitting up there in the path that leads to the practice field, and here's Tuf trying to get into the stadium to go do a workout," Ivlow said. "I'm like, 'Geez, what the heck is this?' His dad was there. I know the kid also likes to work out in the afternoon, so he's doing his own double session or triple session. We were off, and we don't get together until Monday, yet there is Tuf out there early in the morning."
Borland, an Ohio State recruit, laughed at Ivlow's reaction. Though admittedly a training fanatic, he'd rather not start so early in the morning.
"I guess that's a normal day for me," Borland said. "Me and Dad try and get out there before he goes to work. Yes, it does kind of stink."
Borland ended his morning workout after 90 minutes of agility drills and conditioning. The 17-year-old team captain and fourth-year varsity linebacker is a consummate team player, unwilling to talk about himself in long sentences, nor go in length about his many accomplishments.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Borland is one of the top linebackers in the country. Ranked as the No. 4 senior in the state by 247Sports.com, the four-star recruit recorded 152 tackles, three sacks and forced two fumbles for the 8-4 Raiders last season.
Ivlow said Borland's combination of work ethic, talent and intelligence makes him one of the best players to play at Bolingbrook during Ivlow's 14-year tenure, which includes current Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison.
"We've had a lot of great linebackers here over the years, but Tuf ranks up there in probably the top three in the years I've been here, maybe even top two," Ivlow said. "We've had some really good ones, and he's up there in good company.
"I don't know how to even explain Tuf, but he just understands. I've never seen anybody understand the game or his position so well. He just knows everything about football. His dad did a great job with him. His football IQ is just tremendous."
A 2014 Tribune All-State first-team selection, Borland credits his dad, Kyle, for helping him understand the finer points of the game and instilling the work ethic required to become an elite player. Kyle Borland played at Wisconsin and for one season with the Los Angeles Rams (1987).
"My dad has been huge for me since I was young and helping guide me down the right path, with his background being a college and NFL player," Borland said. "It's nice to have all that input that he gives me with little things, like how to watch film and game planning."
Borland said his dad did not pressure him to commit to Wisconsin but allowed him to find the best balance between academics and athletics.
"My favorite story about Tuf is his ability to go up to the marker board and draw every position for the defense, plus every assignment and he knows exactly how it runs, and that goes back to his sophomore season," Ivlow said. "That was probably one of the most impressive feats I've seen."
Named after one of his dad's co-workers while the family lived in California, the quiet and unassuming Borland fits his first name perfectly. He trained five-to-six hours a day during the summer, and despite his success on the football field, Tuf has kept the same trainer -- John Greenidge -- since seventh grade.
The Raiders will need Borland's experience and talent to overcome losing nine starters from last season's defense. Borland welcomes the challenge of leading the Raiders.
"I'm worried about preparing myself for the next level and helping out the younger guys and winning a state title," he said. "It's weird being a senior. I've always been one of the younger guys. I'm playing with kids that I've never played with before. I love it. It's different. I'm looking forward to the season starting."
Narang is a freelance reporter.
Tuf Borland
School: Bolingbrook.
Height/weight: 6-2, 225.
Position: LB.
College: Ohio State.
