Quarterback Wes Lunt and wide receiver Zach Grant set records and won championships at Rochester (Ill.) High School. Now united at Illinois, the duo are reconnecting on the football field as former walk-on Grant pushes for playing time under new head coach Lovie Smith.
OrangeandBlueNews.com columnist John Supinie spoke to both players and their high school coach Derek Leonard to get the lowdown on their story.
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CHAMPAIGN – Five years ago and hundreds of miles from home, Rochester coach Derek Leonard discovered he had something special on his hands.
Before a seven-on-seven passing camp at Vanderbilt University, the talk heading into the weekend was about a star Southern athlete who was hounded by a pack of SEC programs. He was a sure thing. Can’t miss. The only question was where he would land.
Rochester made the trip from the north, bringing some prospects but little street cred. Quarterback Wes Lunt had committed to Oklahoma State, but the Rockets were generally an unheralded group.
“No one knew us down there,’’ Leonard said. “They were talking about all of these great athletes. Then there was one game. We just dominated. That’s when I knew we had something special.’’
Behind Lunt and receiver Zach Grant, the Rockets tore through the camp, and Rochester returned home with greater expectations for the following season. Behind the passing game led by the two stars, Rochester rolled to a second consecutive Class 4A state championship in 2011.
“They were a part of a special time in Rochester football,’’ Leonard said. “I’m just glad they’re both having some success in college. I’m happy Zach is finally getting the shot he deserved. Everyone’s already known how good Wes is. He’s a special NFL type of talent.’’
As Illinois continues preseason camp on the practice fields outside Memorial Stadium, Lunt is the biggest piece to the Illini puzzle. He’s the only experienced quarterback on the roster.
Meanwhile, Grant is a former transfer from the NAIA ranks who just wanted a shot to play Division I football. Grant, who played in all 12 games last season primarily on special teams as the holder, looks like he’s a serious candidate for playing time at receiver this fall.
The pair of fifth-year seniors who started their college careers elsewhere are together again playing pitch and catch just down I-72 from their hometown outside of Springfield.
“I think any time you have someone from your own high school going through the same thing at the same (college), it’s pretty special,’’ Lunt said. “Zach and I have been though some ups and downs here. We’ve grown closer every year.
“Throwing to him, it’s the same feel as high school.’’
If that’s the case, Illini fans should have some fun watching these guys this fall. During the 2011 season, both Lunt and Grant set records as the Rockets won the 4A title for the second consecutive season – and the first two titles in Rochester’s current string of five straight state championships. The Rockets were carried by the passing game.
An all-state pick by the Chicago Tribune and the Champaign News-Gazette player of the year, Lunt threw for 3,650 yards and 31 touchdowns with just four interceptions despite missing several early-season games due to injury.
Lunt set a state record with 590 yards passing and four touchdowns in the title game win over Richmond-Burton.
When it comes to throwing the ball, Leonard said, Lunt is one of the best in the country who will attract attention from NFL scouts, and don’t be surprised to hear his name called during the NFL draft.
“As long as he stays healthy, I really believe there are only four or five guys better than him in college at throwing the ball,’’ Leonard said. “I think he can be a top four round draft pick. Of the guys who came out last year, I thought he was better than some of them.
“I’ve seen a lot of people throw in my life. Not many throw like he does.’’
Lunt’s also been able to handle the endless string of coaching changes at Illinois, not to mention the transfer from Oklahoma State. A four-star recruit ranked as the No. 7 prospect at quarterback in his high school class, Lunt started five games as a true freshman for the Cowboys, including the season opener.
Injury twice knocked him out of the starting lineup. Last season, Lunt threw for 2,761 yards, ranking him ninth in a single season in school history. The yardage also ranked Lunt sixth in the Big Ten. He was fourth on the school’s single-season list with 270 completions. He’s working with offensive coordinator Garrick McGhee this fall.
“The state championship our senior year was unbelievable because you’re winning with buddies you’ve played with your whole life,’’ Grant said. “Playing here (with Lunt) is special. I was so excited to come back.’’
During that run to the 4A title in 2011, Grant set a state record with 2,310 yards receiving while his 131 receptions ranked second all-time in state history. The 6-foot, 195-pounder earned Central State Eight Conference player of the year and first-team all-state by the News-Gazette. For some reason, the offers were harder to catch.
“I still don’t know how he didn’t get a scholarship coming out of high school,’’ Leonard said.
While Lunt left early to start his career at Oklahoma State, Grant ended up at St. Ambrose, the NAIA powerhouse in Davenport, Iowa. Grant made a big impression in his freshman season by earning first-team all-conference and ranking in the top 10 nationally in receiving yards (1,170), receptions (91) and touchdowns (16). He set school records with his touchdown and receptions.
The great season left him wanting to play big-time college football.
“His goal was to play Division I,’’ Leonard said. “That was his dream. He dominated in NAIA. He told me, ‘I’ve got to try this or I’ll never be happy about it.’ ‘’
Leonard worked with Grant, calling coaches and contacts while trying to land him a spot somewhere. In the meantime, Lunt was transferring to Illinois. That gave Leonard an opportunity to talk about Grant to former Illini coach Tim Beckman and his staff.
“I was calling everyone, telling them how this kid dominated high school and NAIA,’’ Leonard said. “It happened to work out with Illinois. There was a need.’’
Grant is a fearless receiver, Leonard said.
“I’ve never seen anyone go up and get the ball like he does, just being able to put his body where it needs to be for him to catch it,’’ he said.
Grant quickly earned a scholarship. With Mike Dudek recovering from another knee injury, the Illini were looking for another receiver. A coaching change may also have given Grant a fresh start.
“He’s earned it,’’ Lunt said. “He’s worked really hard.’’
Lunt and Grant are academic all-Big Ten selections. The Rochester grads would like to put up some big numbers on the field this fall, when hometown fans will be watching after those big Friday night prep games (Rochester is expected to challenge again for a state championship).
“Rochester is not a huge town,’’ Grant said. “Everyone knows everyone. Wes and I receive a lot of support from former coaches, fans and just people in town.’’
They have one more season together.
John Supinie is a columnist for Orangeandbluenews.com. During the day, he’s an Audi Brand Specialist at Green Audi in Springfield. Call or text him at 217-377-1977 if you’re looking for an Audi, Volkswagen, Toyota or preowned car. Ask for the Illini deal.
