Recruiting guru heaps praise on Panico

Updated: July 19, 2011 12:42PM

In the midst of the top 25 football prospects in the Chicago area, Carmel running back Mike Panico was swallowed up in the crowd.

The 5-foot-7 running back, a rising senior, was among those handpicked by recruiting guru Tom Lemming to attend a photo shoot for Lemming’s upcoming issue of “Prep Football Report” magazine.

Panico may not stick out in a photo shoot, but he certainly stands out on a football field.

Lemming, CBS Sports’ football recruiting analyst, writes all 280-plus pages of the publication evaluating the top high school recruits across the nation, and he knows Panico by name.

“I would said, without a doubt, the most exciting player in the suburbs,” Lemming said. “I think if he gets his hands on the ball more, as many times as he did last year, Carmel could win a state title.”

Carmel lost in the Class 7A quarterfinals last season to St. Rita and finished the season 10-2. This season, Panico said his goal is to make it to the championship.

An injury held Panico to 881 yards during the 2010 season. Yet, he averaged 9.5 yards per carry with 10 rushing touchdowns.

“From what I’ve seen, he’s one of the most creative players in the area,” said Lemming, who evaluates almost 2,000 players. “He’s really tough to bring down. He’s got great moves and vision.”

Though starting quarterback Brian Serio graduated, the Corsairs will have a star-studded backfield with Panico, Jordan Kos and Brian Brennan.

Kos finished last season with 16 rushing touchdowns and averaged 8.1 yards per carry. Brennan, who figures to move to quarterback, finished with six touchdowns and 6.1 yards per carry.

“It’s imperative that they create more opportunities for a talent like Panico,” Lemming said. “If Carmel does that this year I think they will be unstoppable.”

Panico has set lofty goals for himself.

“I’m hoping to stay injury free this season,” said Panico, who was slowed by a shoulder injury. “I’m really working my upper body a lot more ... I’m hoping to get 1500 yards. That’s my goal. And I’m trying to reach 15 TDs.”

Panico was humbled by all the attentioin at the photo shoot.

“I’ve been working pretty hard my whole life,” he said. “(But) I’ve been thinking why, How can I deserve all this?”

And what about Lemming’s quote?

“It’s a pretty awesome comment from a guy like Tom Lemming. I very much appreciate it,” said Panico.

He also appreciates having a brother like Santino, 25, who played at Nebraska after graduating from Libertyville High School.

“He takes me through route running and footwork. He throws me about 150 balls a day,” said Michael.

So far, Panico has only one offer (Akron). He’s hoping to stir the interest of Northwestern and Miami (Ohio) this fall.

He’ll also get a shot to stand out in a showcase game. Panico has been selected to compete in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix, Ariz., on Jan. 3, 2012.

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