Beth Long’s football recruiting notebook

Loyola is loaded with prospects, including offensive lineman Charlie Gross. The junior is 6-5, 265 pounds and has 13 scholarship offers.

“The offseason is going great, as a team I believe we are really improving and getting better every day,” Gross said.

Individually, one thing has been top of mind for Gross.

“Flexibility is something I’ve been improving on,” Gross said. “I want to be pretty flexible for the upcoming season.

Recruiting is also on his mind.

“It’s pretty good, a lot of opportunities have opened up for me this year and it’s pretty awesome,” Gross said.

His latest offers are from New Mexico, Fordham and Western Kentucky.

“The best part of recruiting is getting out and seeing all of the places that have offered me has been pretty fun,” Gross said.

The first offer for Gross came from Ball State and it was one to remember.

“It felt like a weight of my shoulders, it was amazing,” Gross said.

Josh Flowers getting looks

Glenbard North is full of talented prospects this season, including junior Josh Flowers.

“The offseason is going good,” Flowers said. “I’ve been getting a lot of good offseason work with Midwest Boom and been learning a lot of new stuff. I’ve also been in the wight room and been doing training to get bigger and faster.”

The junior is 5-11, 165-pounds and getting into the recruiting process.

“I’m trusting the process right now and staying patient,” Flowers said. “I’m definitely not in a rush. I’ve been talking to a lot of schools so far and just waiting for one to pull the trigger.”

Lots of schools are expressing interest in Flowers.

“I’ve taken visits to Central Michigan, SDSU and Illinois State,” Flowers said. “I’m planning on going up to Western Michigan this summer and so far that’s the only one I know for sure.”

Flowers is an integral part of the Midwest Boom 7-on-7 squad that has made quite a name for itself across the traveling circuit. He is coming off a MVP performance at their spring game held at Naperville Yard.

“With visits I’m looking forward to good people and a good hospitality that fits me,” Flowers said. “I will also look into there academic programs. And the things that will benefit me.”

Flowers has his eyes set on the fall as the high school season approaches.

“I’ve got better feet and better off man coverage,” Flowers said. “I also worked on a lot of ball skills.”

Noah Shannon a Gopher

Another top junior prospect is off the board. Oswego defensive lineman Noah Shannon recently gave an oral commitment to Minnesota.

“After my visit at Minnesota and sitting down and talking with my family, I have decided that I am furthering my education and athletic career for the next for years at the University of Minnesota,” Shannon tweeted.

He joins top rated junior prospects Glenbard North defensive back Tyrik Henderson and Marist junior defensive lineman Elijah Teague as Minnesota recruits.