April 01--Two of the state's top players in the Class of 2017 chose their colleges Thursday.
Kevin Jarvis, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound offensive lineman from Maine South, committed to Michigan State. Loyola's Jake Marwede, a 6-foot-5, 238-pound tight end, committed to Duke.
Jarvis, the state's No. 5 junior prospect in the 247Sports.com composite rankings, chose the Spartans over a group of schools that included Florida, Michigan, Auburn and Arkansas.
Marwede, ranked No. 9, held offers from eight Big Ten schools including Illinois, Northwestern and Ohio State, plus Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.
Jarvis is Michigan State's first Illinois commit in the Class of 2017 after the Spartans 2016 class included five highly ranked state players -- Hinsdale South's Josh King, Evanston's Naquan Jones, Lake Park's Mike Panasiuk, Fremd's Kenney Lyke and Hinsdale Central's Matt Allen.
"It was just a really big family atmosphere up there and I felt really close to all the players and coaches," said Jarvis, who took an unofficial visit to East Lansing on Tuesday. "I feel like I can do really well on and off the field there. It's the perfect place for me."
Marwede caught 16 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown for the Class 8A state champion Ramblers this season.
Loyola coach John Holecek said he was surprised at the timing of Marwede's commitment.
"I thought he would wait longer," Holecek said. "He could have gone to Northwestern and Illinois' spring (games).
"Jake's very smart and he and his dad did their due diligence and he really likes Duke. He went over his options and did a good job with looking into all the schools. I know that he likes the fit with Duke and how they use their tight end."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
