Hawks' Goro chooses Vanderbilt

When it came down to it, Vanderbilt just had everything Maine South quarterback Charlie Goro wanted in a college.

"Everything down there was just very nice," said Goro, who will be a senior.

So nice that Goro, one of the most productive passers in Illinois last season, ended his recruiting process Saturday night -- moments after returning from an unofficial visit to the Southeastern Conference school -- with an oral commitment.

The 6-3, 190-pound Goro chose the Commodores over scholarship offers from Illinois, Central Michigan, Ohio University, Eastern Illinois, Air Force and South Dakota.

"It is such a relief," Goro said. "I don't have to impress anybody anymore. I already have my college choice. I don't have to show off my arm strength or speed anymore. ... All I have to do now is concentrate on the season."

Several factors played into Goro's decision-making. First, Goro said he bonded with Vanderbilt quarterbacks coach Jimmy Kiser, whom he called "real honest and genuine."

"I wanted to make sure I got along with my quarterback coach," Goro said. "[Kiser is] is going to be the person I will be with the most. ... All the QBs there always looked like they were having fun."

Moreover, Goro said he "has a chance for playing time" in a year or two and that his parents -- Chuck and Kathy -- approve of Vanderbilt.

"My mom just loves the school," Goro said. "Both my parents like the academics. ... But it's also a SEC school, so it definitely plays the best competition."

Maine South offensive coordinator Charlie Bliss, the architect of the Maine South spread offense, believes Goro will be very productive at Vanderbilt.

"Charlie's upside is that he is going to be as good as anybody in the country," Bliss said. "To get an offer from Vanderbilt is tremendous. It's a commitment where you get an offer you are telling them you can play at that level and Charlie can. ... I am very happy for him."

Goro was one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the area last season, completing 75 percent of his passes for more than 2,700 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also ran for 465 yards and eight touchdowns.

For his exploits, Goro garnered All-Central Suburban League, Sun-Times All-Area team and Pioneer Press Player of the Year honors last year. As a sophomore, he started at receiver on the Hawks’ varsity team, catching 24 passes for 580 yards (24-yard average) and 10 touchdowns.

Goro also played basketball at Maine South for two years, starting as a sophomore on the varsity team, and ran track his junior year, winning a state title as part of the Hawks’ 800-relay team.

"I am very excited for him," Hawks head coach David Inserra said. "It's the highest level of football in the SEC. It's got a good football tradition and good academics."

Contributing: Dick Quagliano

ajahns@chicagosuntimes.com