Nothing – not even an incessant morning rain that soaked the Chicago area – could stop some of the better players and teams in Illinois from participating Saturday in the Bolingbrook Passing Jamboree.
Although the rain kept some schools at home, more than 35 teams – some with very talented and very college-worthy players – participated in the annual 7-on-7 competition.
The most sought-after player at Bolingbrook was Hubbard’s Darius Moffett, who has scholarship offers from Illinois, Colorado, Cincinnati, Kansas State, Louisville, Michigan State and Nebraska.
One of the most seasoned players at the passing jamboree, Moffett is being recruited as a linebacker, but can also play running back and tight end.
While college recruiters covet Moffett’s size (he is listed at 6-3, 225 pounds) and his speed, some evaluations described him as stiff and not fluid enough to recover from overrunning a play.
But none of Moffett’s so-called deficiencies were evident on Saturday.
Moffett has sound fundamentals and enough quickness to chase down a back running a rout out of the backfield. He also showed Saturday that he is fully capable of succeeding as a tight end. With long arms and good hands, he consistently used his large physical frame to box out defenders and catch passes.
As a junior last season, Moffett, a soon-to-be four-year starter, led his team in tackles as a linebacker and caught six touchdown passes as a tight end.
Proviso East defensive back/wide receiver Corey Cooper was another local standout on the fields of Bolingbrook. The rising junior has already given Illinois an oral commitment, but he reportedly recently received offers from Notre Dame and Michigan State.
The 6-3, 190-pound Cooper is a natural athlete with a great feel for the game on both sides of the ball. As a sophomore last year, Cooper caught 35 passes for just under 500 yards and four touchdowns, while becoming a dominating safety capable of delivering game-altering hits.
Despite the muddy fields, Cooper looked fluid and quick Saturday, easily covering opposing receivers, while also eluding defenders as a receiver.
Two rising senior quarterbacks – Palatine’s Matt Rossi and Aurora Central’s Mike Adams – also looked sharp at Bolingbrook.
As a junior, Rossi, a two-time All-Mid-Suburban League selection, led the Pirates to the state playoffs for the first time since 1997. The 6-2, 175-pounder passed for more than 1,150 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
College recruiters like Rossi’s quick release and touch, two attributes he showed off at times during the jamboree.
Adams was called one of his team’s “most athletic” players by Aurora Central coach Mike Curry. As a junior, Adams completed 60 percent of his passes for more than 1,900 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also ran for 481 yards and eight scores out of the Chargers’ spread offense.
At 6-5 and 230 pounds, Adams, who will also play safety and linebacker this season, has the ideal size for the college level. He has a decent arm and should put up good numbers again in the Chargers’ wide-open attack.
Senior-to-be Jake Juriga, a standout linebacker from St. Charles North, looked dominant on Saturday. Juriga, the son of former Denver Broncos guard Jim Juriga, is very similar to Moffett as a defender. He has great coverage skills, a good break on the ball and the ability to read plays. At Bolingbrook, Juriga could be seen intercepting passes and blanketing receivers.
As far as teams, Wheaton Warrenville South, Naperville North and Bolingbrook were all very impressive.
Against Cedar Rapids Washington, one of the better teams in Iowa, the Tigers played with swagger and confidence, despite the Division-I type talent in receiver Keenan Davis on the other side of the ball.
Washington coach Tony Lombardi previously coached at Homewood-Flossmoor and Hinsdale Central. Using a no-huddle, spread offense full of audibles, Washington was the talk of the jamboree. But against WW South, Washington met its match, as the Tigers were able to move the ball and slow them down.
As the defending Class 8A state champions, the Huskies played and acted as if everyone were watching and judging their talents.
Naperville North is led by rising senior running back Nick Mlady, who rushed for 1,274 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. The 6-1, 190-pounder has an offer from Navy, while Iowa, Minnesota, Purdue, Wisconsin, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Harvard are reportedly interested.
After averaging more than 8 yards per carry last year, Mlady should get a bulk of the carries again this season. On Saturday, Mlady showed he can also catch, making diving grabs in the seams.
As always, Bolingbrook looks loaded with talented players. With skilled players in the skilled positions, the Raiders should make the playoffs for the 17th consecutive season. Look out for defensive backs Alex McNulty and Brandon Westphal and receiver Alfonzo Sylvester, a three-year starter.
Other players to watch this season who were at Bolingbrook include Montini quarterback Tom DiCristina, Downer Grove South quarterback Chandler Whitmer and Palatine linebacker Ryan Cortez.
ajahns@chicagosuntimes.com
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