Oct. 27--Being elusive is part of DaQuan Cross' football resume.
The West Aurora junior is adept at avoiding tacklers, often hurdling them or relying on his track speed to outrun them.
College recruiters, indirectly, discovered how hard catching up to Cross can be.
"I didn't have a cell phone for awhile, and I just recently got a cell phone," Cross said. "I would get in touch (with college coaches) either through my email or Twitter. I checked it through my computer at home, and that's the only time I checked it."
Versatility is another aspect of the DaQuan Cross experience. He's a two-way starter at running back and linebacker, returns kickoffs and serves as West Aurora's backup kicker. Cross also is an accomplished track athlete, competing in the 400-meter relay, 100 dash, high jump and long jump.
"DaQuan is the best athlete I've coached in 10 years," West Aurora coach Nate Eimer said. "He does everything. He runs, tackles, blocks, return kicks, he can throw a football, catch a football and even kickoff. He's really carried us for years."
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Cross has carried the ball 79 times for a team-leading 813 yards, caught 10 passes for 155 yards and returned seven kickoffs for 110 yards this season. He ranks third on the team in tackles (43) and tied with his twin brother, DaVion Cross, for the team lead in interceptions (two). DaVion Cross is an accomplished track athlete, finishing second in the Class 3A state triple jump last spring.
DaQuan Cross said he's received interest from Illinois, Virginia, Purdue, Michigan State, Iowa and Wisconsin, but remains without an offer.
"I think DaQuan's recruiting is going to springboard," Eimer said. "I can't imagine after watching his junior film people won't jump on him. Maybe his height and not sure what position is the reason because we use him at inside linebacker. I think he can be a running back in a system, not inside linebacker.
"I expect him to draw a lot of interest. I would assume this winter DaQuan will get some offers when they start coming to school. He's getting a ton of mail."
Cross sat out Friday's loss to Metea Valley because he was suspended after being ejected during a Week 8 win against Glenbard East. The Blackhawks (5-4) will play their first playoff game in 21 years at No. 1 Loyola on Saturday in a Class 8A first-round contest.
"After the season, I'm hoping to get my first offer, then others will hopefully start to come," Cross said. "I'm going to try and do my best against Loyola. I definitely want people to notice me and get my first offer. I'm happy to be able to play in a playoff game."
Embrey ends recruiting: Montini senior fullback and linebacker John Embrey orally committed to Central Missouri on Saturday during an unofficial visit. He chose Central Missouri over an offer from Northwest Missouri State and roster spots from Stetson and Valparaiso.
"It was the whole atmosphere of the school, and the coaching staff was incredible," Embrey said. "It was just everything about the school just kind of clicked. I knew going down there it was one my top schools. When I went down there, I could picture myself there in the future."
Davidson picking up steam: Barrington quarterback Johnny Davidson owns an 18-3 record as a starter. His tough-as-nails attitude has guided the Broncos to an 8-1 record this season. The Broncos host Plainfield South on Saturday in an 8A first-round contest.
Davidson's main objective is leading Barrington, ranked No. 18 by the Tribune, to the state championship game in DeKalb.
Davidson's recruiting also merits attention. He has an offer from Olivet Nazarene, and roster spot offers from Butler and St. Thomas (Minn.). Davidson expects St. Xavier to offer him a scholarship in the near future.
"I'm also still talking to Drake and Concordia (Minn.), and a couple of other schools and am just hoping by the end of the season to get a few more offers," Davidson said.
Garrett commits to UAB: Former Plainfield South and LSU linebacker Clifton Garrett committed to join the rebuilding project at UAB next season. A five-star recruit from the Class of 2014, Garrett played this season for Arizona Western College after deciding to transfer from LSU early in the summer. Garrett played in three games during his freshman season at LSU. Garrett reportedly chose UAB over Auburn and Florida State. UAB's football program, which was shut down after the 2014 season, will play its next game in 2017.
Odds and ends: Lockport senior offensive lineman Matt Chmielewski orally committed to Southern Illinois via Twitter on Sunday. ...Joliet Catholic defensive lineman Ken Aguirre committed to Western Michigan on Saturday.
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
