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As I have written, I don't have a vote in the Sun-Times Player of the Year or All-Chicago Area selections, only recommendations of what I have observed by covering games during the season. But it is abundantly clear that the POY for 2009 will be either Matt Perez of Maine South or John Whitelaw of Hinsdale Central.
But what about Christian Lombard of Fremd and Jimmy Garoppolo of Rolling Meadows? Or Providence's Peter Houlihan, the Catholic League Blue's top-rated player?
Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming argues that Lombard, a 6-6, 295-pound offensive lineman who is committed to Notre Dame, should be the choice.
"He is having a dominating year," Lemming said. " He is playing as well or better than any offensive lineman in the country."
But there's a hitch. Offensive linemen receiver POY awards as frequently as the sun stops shining. The Heisman Trophy has never been awarded to an offensive lineman since its inception in 1935. And the Daily News/Sun-Times Player of the Year award hasn't been given to an offensive lineman since 1954.
"Lombard should be POY but it probably won't happen," Lemming said. "The problem is offensive linemen don't have statistics, like quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. Most coaches don't keep statistics for offensive linemen. There is no way to gauge how good they are. It is the only position on the field with no statistics."
Ironically, Lemming rates offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson of St. Paul, Minn., as the No. 1 player in the country this season. It is the first time he has picked an offensive lineman since Bill Fralic in 1980.
"Most people don't think about offensive linemen when it comes to those kind of awards," Lemming said. "Anthony Munoz is considered the greatest offensive tackle of all time, college and NFL, but he never won any MVP honors."
Lemming also thinks Garoppolo has been overlooked by the media and college recruiters. He received some attention last week when he completed 28 of 42 passes for 339 yards and one touchdown in a 46-38 victory over previously unbeaten Prospect for the Mid-Suburban East championship. He also rushed 22 times for 92 yards and two touchdowns while outplaying more publicized Miles Osei of Prospect.
"I saw him against Fremd and he dominated. He was the reason they stayed in the game so long," Lemming said of Garoppolo. "He is among the best quarterbacks in the area. He doesn't have a great supporting cast that other quarterbacks have. I think colleges are missing the boat on him. He has great potential, like Whitelaw and Osei. All of them are qualified to play at a big school."
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How about Trace Wanless of Glenbard South! If he went down, South would have big problems winning a game!! His stats compare to anyone. He is clearly a dominent player. I think we should consider how these teams fair without the player. That should be the question for an MVP!
What about Mark Weisman? He is THE reason that Stevenson is as good as it is this year. But he doesn't get much respect, just like the entire Stevenson team.
Mr. Bell and Mr. Lemming-
THANK YOU.
I agree that Perez and Lombard are the top two choices for Player of the Year. But having QB Jim Garoppolo in the conversation is very impressive as I see that you both recognize his special abilities at the QB position and simply as a football prospect. Good work, go Mustangs.
Mr.Bell: I have great respect for you, but I believe that any conversation regarding Sun Times POY should at least include St.Rita's Juwan Akui. Twenty five T.D.'s and over fourteen hundred yards in six and a half games merits his name at least being mentioned. I agree that Matt Perez is very deserving of consideration. The fact that he plays offense,defense and special teams for a great team may even put him over the top. Though I would argue that Akui is a better running back.
What about jamel martin of bolingbrook? Of course Matt Perez is a good runningback handsdown one of the best iv'e seen. But Maine South plays in a weak confrence. They have on solid win this year while bolingbrook has many. Lincoln way east and central, downers grove south, sandburg. Why isnt he getting any recognition.Toughest confrence in the state
This Glenbard South kid? (Trace Wanless) is the REAL DEAL. I saw him play and he is a incredible athlete. He will be a diamond in the rough for whoever picks him up. He has been unstoppable on the field. There are no other words for this kid except "Amazing". I have never seen anyone run & throw like this at his age. He has a rocket. Keep a eye on this one.
While I have seen Perez and agree with many that he is the POY, I find it difficult to believe that not once has the record breaking back from Leyden, Angel Maldonado been thrown into the conversation. One look at his stats and what he has meant to the Eagles this season should be enough to garner this fine back some well deserved recognition that has been bestowed upon the above mentioned players this year, all the while playing for an unranked squad that just may surprise some people in the weeks ahead.
I agree Angel Maldonado has been over looked for far to long. This kid plays with the heart of a true team player. He gives his all in every game. It's a shame a kid with that much talent is not getting the recgonition he deserves! I have never seen such talent and heart as I have seen in this kid. His stats speak for their selves!
If anyone knows a former sports writer named Curtis K Jackson, please contact me. I read a chapter of his book at a "read". In Utah and it was a serious piece of work about corruption, and cheating, recruiting connection networks to shoe companies , etc. That goes on in Chicago and has been for years. Please give him my email address: plprepblogger@gmail.com and tell him I would like to talk to him at no expense to him. I'll foot the dime and trav el either way.
I have to agree with the Trace Wanless plugs stated by these other people. I saw him play and the only thing to say is "WOW" He is a true leader and spark of Glendard South. He is a solid MVP choice.
if you mention garopollo, you should also mention the qb from naperville central, NICK LINNE. over 1,800 yds passing 20 td's over 500 yds rushing, 5 more td's. took a decent team to 7 and 2 all with a lousy defense. he should be a contender.
Trace Wanless is a great player and the heart and soul of the next 5A champions!
p.s. I just gave his name to a recruiter who will be calling.