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The top-rated quarterback in Illinois--and one of the top 10 in the nation--is John Wienke of Tuscola, a 6-4, 212-pound lefty who hails from a school of only 270 students that is located only 25 miles south of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. So how did he end up with a scholarship to Michigan?
It is an interesting tale.
"I'm an Illinois guy. I lived and died with the Orange and Blue," said Tuscola coach Stan Wienke, John's father. "John still likes Illinois but they didn't show enough interest. He went there nine or 10 times and threw for them twice. But they never offered until other Big 10 schools offered. They never sold us on the idea that John would fit into their program."
In fact, the coach said, Illinois coach Ron Zook suggested that he send film of his son to every college. He did. Michigan didn't look at it. But after Purdue offered a scholarship, the Wienkes received a call from Michigan assistant Andy Moeller.
A Michigan alum who lives in Chicago, a former Wolverine football player, had seen John's video. "You've got to look at him," he told Moeller. John was invited to come to the Michigan campus for an eight-hour workout. Ten days later, he was offered a scholarship. According to Stan Wienke, Illinois made the last of 16 offers after John accepted the Michigan offer and called a halt to his recruiting process.
"I wasn't sure how good John is," his father said. "Eastern Illinois and Northern Illinois offered him in the beginning. But when Colorado, Tennessee and Kentucky and the Big 10 schools offered, I felt he might be as good as we think he is."
John, who passed for 3,200 yards and 34 touchdowns last season while leading Tuscola to the Class 1A championship, attended Rivals' Elite 11 camp in California during the summeer and climbed from No. 17 to No. 9 on its list of the top quarterbacks in the country.
"In the recruiting process, you have to understand different things will happen and sometimes things won't go your way," John said. "I think going to Michigan is a good thing. Sure, I hear things from friends about why I didn't pick Illinois. But they understand I did what is best for me. There are no negatives about going to Michigan.
"My dream schools were Ohio State, Michigan and Illinois. But a year ago, I was just thinking I would have a chance to play at Eastern Illinois or Truman. I always felt I was a small-town kid but I felt I would be one of the top guys. The camps opened my eyes. I competed against the best quarterbacks in the country and I feel I can play at their level."
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Meh. I'm with Zook on this one. The number of 1-A players from central Illinois who make it at the highest D-1 level can be counted on one hand. Make that one finger: Wakefield.
I'll believe it when I see it. And looking at Carr's most recent record, he won't be there anyway.
Posted by: illinitrueblue | September 4, 2007 09:29 AM
All I can say is when Fred Wakefield left Tuscola to play at Illinois I read local newspaper writers who I won't list in Champaign and Decatur that said he would never play a down at Illinois. All-Big Ten and NFL Starter later - enough said. When Tuscola would line up and give a 6A top three team a good game and John Wienke throws the ball down their throat then maybe you will understand that he might not be top 3 in the nation, but he is way better than what Ron Zook can put on the field right now. And sometimes it is nice to take a chance that you might not get beat by him later. He might not fit in Ron Zook's rush the ball "fake" of a spread offense, but don't confuse the issue that this kid is tough and a hard worker and he will end up being a "terrific" college quarterback. I hear Mallet won't last more than 2 years because he is a head case.
Anyway you look at it Tuscola is in the top 3 all-time in victories in anywhere from 3A to 1A. And John Wienke is noticeably a great QB at whatever class and team you place him.
You and Zook will regret this.
Posted by: illinitruebluecentralillinoissupporter-nontuscolahater | September 22, 2007 07:25 PM
Anyone who thinks that John won't succeed at the college level has not taken the time to watch him play and they obviously don't know him as a person. Having the honor to coach John and have John as an employee has shown me the work ethic that he has and combine that with the fact that he is 6'4" 220lbs. makes me a true believer in his ability. He has a great football mind (thanks to being around his dad's system all these years) and the frame of a great college/pro QB. His stats speak for themselves (assuming Tuscola goes on to win their 2nd straight state title, which is never a guarantee, but for the sake of argument)...27-1 with 2 state championships as a starter...he hasn't thrown an int in a playoff game and his numbers are crazy good. I think all the ney-sayers should let the kid prove what he can do and be happy for him that he has the opportunity to be a big-time college QB, regardless of the fact he came from a small town...I'm sure the NFL is full of guys that "everyone" said couldn't make it...he is a great young man, can't you just be happy to see one of the "good guys" succeed?
Looking ahead...John will be leaving Michigan about the same time that Peyton Manning's career is winding down...I'd love to see him wear the Horseshoe in about 5 years!!!!
Posted by: JWcoltsfan08 | November 15, 2007 11:18 AM