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Jordan Walsh is a 6-4, 280-pound offensive lineman at Glenbard West in Glen Ellyn. He is one of the most widely recruited high school football players in Illinois. Here are his views on the recent May evaluation period, the recruiting process and the 2010 season:
What did you learn during the May evaluation period?
I learned a lot about different coaches and how they run things. I got a feel for the coaches who came through and I visited. And I learned a lot about the academic support at the schools, like tutoring. The most surprising things I learned was that Wisconsin has a class for sign language.
You have 19 scholarship offers, including more Big 10 offers than anyone else in the Chicago area. What does that say about you?
There is a lot of buildup for who and what I am and I have to live up to that potential in the games. When a player has a lot of offers, he might not play hard all the time because he doesn't want to get hurt. But I will try my hardest. I will go all out in every game.
But Ohio State, Penn State and Notre Dame haven't offered. Does that bother you?
Not really. I was looking forward to Ohio State but I wasn't what they wanted. They already had recruited a lot of offensive linemen. I visited Notre Dame before and after the coaching change. They were a favorite of mine, one of the top schools in the country for sports and academics. I hoped they would offer me. But they didn't. It isn't up to me.
You are being recruited as a guard or center. What does it take to be an outstanding offensive lineman?
You have to finish the block, be big and have good footwork. Strength is a big part of it, too. (Former Glenbard West star) Chris Watt had a nasty attitude on the field. That's the difference between the great ones and others, someone who is always looking for someone to hit.
Are you better than Watt, who currently is a starter at Notre Dame?
I've always looked up to him. He was my idol, my hero, as a freshman and sophomore. I played next to him as a sophomore. It was a great learning experience. If you ask me, he is in a category of his own. His nastiness and never giving up on a block is what caught my eye.
Is the recruiting process as much fun as you thought it would be?
I think so. It is really cool. I never thought this would happen, that I would have so many offers. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity I have.
What do you like most about the process?
Meeting all the coaches. You see them on TV and in the newspapers and online. But to meet them in person is really cool.
The least?
The travel. I got caught in a blizzard going to Michigan State in December. And I had to drive to Ohio State and Iowa in a two-day span. It was a long trip.
Do you have a timetable for your decision?
I'll make my decision after the season. I'll narrow my list to a few schools in the summer, then make official visits after the season. I don't want to rush things. I don't know (which school) right now.
Is there a dream school that you are still hoping will offer you?
I feel the offers I have are great. I don't want to be greedy. What I have is fine.
What are your goals for the 2010 season?
My No. 1 goal is to win the state championship. Our team is really big on being 1-0 at the end of every week.
You lost in the state final in double overtime last year. How disappointing was that?
Real disappointing. I'll always remember a bad call for a late hit by Tommy Schutt at the end of the second overtime. It was Wheaton Warrenville South's last drive and allowed them to score the winning touchdown. I've never watched the replay of the game.
Is this team better than last year?
We have a lot of experience coming back, especially on defense. If we play up to our potential, we can be as good as last year.
How good is Schutt?
He is going to be one of the best defensive tackle or defensive end prospects in the country. We work against each other in scrimmage. He is big but he can move and is very athletic. There is no telling what he can do on each play. He is young but he has so much potential.
Do you have a superstition?
Ever since my freshman year, I have a sausage McGriddle and a Powerade before every game.
How many times have you seen the movie "Lucas," which was filmed at Glenbard West?
I've lost count. I've watched it in class, on HBO, on television. One of my old coaches is in the film. What jumps out at me is the football field, how amazing Duchon Field looks next to Lake Ellyn. Putting lights on the field would be like painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa.
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Nice article. Jordan is terrific player and has played at a very high level over the last two years. I wish him well next season and in his selection of a college.
Tommy Schutt is a terrific athlete. He is a big guy with great feet, power, nastiness, technique, etc. He is also a very good basketball player (as was Chris Watt). I look forward to seeing him play next year.