Feb. 09--Morgan Park linebacker Sean Williams observed national signing day with a dose of frustration.
Williams was forced to wait until after the signing date to select a college. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior had multiple offers in the spring and was set to sign early in the fall, but due to outside circumstances, he remains without a college.
"It's been very frustrating," Williams said. "I had a few schools that I was looking at the week before signing day and I took an official (visit) to Northern Iowa. When I got back over the weekend, it seemed like everybody's spots were filled up. That left me with nobody to sign with."
Williams has yet to receive any new offers, but many schools have contacted him after signing day, with Bowling Green, Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois showing the most interest.
"I'm trying to talk to schools," he said. "I had a lot of schools that were interested in me but didn't give me a scholarship. I'm hoping one of them reaches out to me if they didn't sign enough players at the linebacker position.
"It was very hard on Wednesday and really stressful, but it's been a relief to hear from a lot of schools after Wednesday. I think I'm going to sign sometime next week. A lot of schools have reached out at the same time. I have to talk it over with my coach and some of my family members."
Morgan Park coach Terry Atkins said Williams should wrap up his recruiting in the coming days. Williams was a key figure in Morgan Park's 4-4 defense.
"He has some exciting things on his table right now," Atkins said. "He had a number of offers, but some other situations where we wanted to see if some other options would open up after signing date. It's been really challenging for him and everybody involved with the recruiting process. It's been a little stressful for me, but he's shown a lot of maturity."
Meanwhile, Morgan Park senior tight end Antonio Alsup signed with McKendree on Wednesday.
"Antonio is really excited," Atkins said. "They are excited about his athleticism and use him the best they can use him. He'll be instrumental in the passing game and can move around to get the mismatches."
Under the radar: Lake Zurich senior long snapper Camden Boyle plays a position that seems invisible until a mistake happens. Boyle was an under-the-radar signing last week when he committed to Southeast Missouri State for a full-ride scholarship.
His private coach, Nolan Owen, said Boyle made himself into one of the best long snappers in the country in one season.
"Camden Boyle did outstanding in a camp at Las Vegas last month, and that helped him get some looks, even from Wake Forest," Owen said. "He's another Steven Wirtel (of Mount Carmel), but just a little shorter. He has good athleticism and turned some heads in Las Vegas."
Several others unsigned: There are numerous players from championship-level schools that remain unsigned. Marist quarterback Brendan Skalitzky threw for more than 3,500 yards and 38 touchdowns to lead his team to the Class 8A title game. The 6-0, 180-pound senior is still exploring his options. Marist senior wide receiver Liam Keffer, also did not sign on Wednesday, nor did Hinsdale South senior quarterback Sean McCormack.
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
