Beth Long’s football recruiting notebook

Two area prospects have a chance to play in the Under Armour All-American Game. Brother Rice receiver Ricky Smalling and Maine South offensive lineman Kevin Jarvis will take part in a 32-man, bracket-style contest over the next five weeks. Two winners will grab the final two spots on the roster.

“It’s exciting that I might actually get the chance to play in the game,” Smalling said.

Both athletes will be a part of a head-to-head voting competition against other high school prospects from around the country. The contest is currently in the opening round.

“I got an email from the staff asking if I wanted to be a part of the voting competition,” Smalling said. “I was familiar with the competition because Julian Love was in it last year.”

Smalling has orally committed to Illinois. He was one of the first area prospects to commit to Illini coach Lovie Smith.

Jarvis has committed to Michigan State. He’s 6-4, 340-pounds and drew interest from schools all over the country.

Jacob Keller adds offers

Northern Iowa has shown recent interest in Fenwick senior quarterback Jacob Keller and was in attendance to see the Friars take on Loyola in Week 5. This week, they extended an offer to Keller.

“They said they liked my film, how the ball comes off my hand and how I can make plays with my feet,” Keller said.

Keller also has offers from Eastern Michigan and Missouri State.

“The Northern Iowa quarterback coach reached out to me and let me know about the offer,” Keller said.

Keller is a two sport standout for Fenwick, and has received several offers for basketball and his athleticism shows on the gridiron with his ability to move around in the pocket and make tough throws. His 6-4, 195-pound size includes plenty of length and a solid frame.

Keller and the Friars are 6-1 on the season and take on St. Francis on Friday on the road. In the meantime, recruiting is still going at a steady pace.

“Recruiting is still the same other than the two offers I just got, those are the only schools I have been talking too,” Keller said.

Joshua Maize one to watch

Deerfield defensive lineman Joshua Maize is a Rivals.com three-star recruit and at 6-4, 230-pounds is one to watch. He has a top three of Connecticut, Toledo and Central Michigan.

Maize also has offers from Buffalo, Ball State, Indiana and others. He’s an athletic prospect with great ability to move and has a good awareness of the ball. Expect to hear much more about him as the season continues.