Beth Long’s football recruiting notebook

Naperville North quarterback Drake Davis has become an instant sensation. He transferred from Bureau Valley this summer and has led the Huskies to a 4-1 start to the season.

Naperville North averaged more than 50 points in the first three weeks. The offensive explosion has meant plenty of attention to Davis on the recruiting trail.

“Getting the opportunity to meet new coaches and people is the best part of recruiting and experiencing some great campuses and good games,” Davis said.

Plenty of schools are starting to get involved in Davis’ recruitment.

“My coach has been in contact with Iowa, Indiana and Penn State,” Davis said. “I have also heard from Morehead State and North Dakota State.”

It’s clear that he can put up offensive firepower, but that’s not the only reason that schools like Davis, a 5-10, 165-pound athlete.

“Schools are telling me they like that I have the ability to run and throw on the run,” Davis said. “And my pocket presence.”

He isn’t a finished product yet.

“My game improved this offseason with the quickness of my play and release,” Davis said. “I’m a lot stronger and more balanced as a quarterback and I am fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of talented players that have made me a better player. [Naperville North offensive coordinator] Mike Fitgerald has also really helped improve the mental side of my game.”

JUNIORS TO WATCH

Homewood Flossmoor’s junior class is making a lot of noise this season. Two defensive lineman, Isaiah Coe and Charlie Brooks, are starting to get recruiting attention.

Coe is 6-3, 260-pounds and Brooks is 6-3, 225-pounds.

“At practice we have to compete every day because we have a lot of great players on this team and if you don’t bring your a-game in practice someone else is going to take your spot,” Brooks said. “So you have to come every day with your best.”

Brooks has excellent grades, which is opening up even more college options.

“I have started to hear from Miami (Ohio), Harvard, Penn, Ohio and a few other Ivy league schools,” Brooks said. “I’ve also heard from Ball State and some other MAC schools. Coaches are telling me that they like my speed off the edge. I have to improve on playing the run a little bit more but I am working on it.”

Coe has improved substantially since last season.

“I am only a junior so it’s early for recruiting,” Coe said. “I’ve had some looks from Michigan and Iowa,” Coe said.

The Vikings have a big matchup against top-ranked Lincoln-Way East on Friday.

“We go all out a practice which is making the game more natural,” Coe said. “The coaches they push me a lot. They make me condition a lot, so the game has become way easier.”