Three stand out for OL Palczewski
Illinois was first to offer 2-star offensive lineman Alex Palczewski from Mount Prospect (Ill.) and he has since picked up more offers and interest.
Eyeing a January commitment, Palczewski says three schools are currently standing out.
“Illinois, Vanderbilt and Syracuse are the schools that I will make my decisions from here pretty soon,” Palczewski said. “I think after I have visited all the schools the week of Jan. 25 is when I hope to decide.”
Palczewski visited Illinois during the football season, and he plans a return trip for an official visit prior to making his ultimate decision.
“I went on a visit when Illinois played Iowa and really loved it there,” Palczewski said. “The facilities were great, and they’re renovating in two years. I’m going back for an official visit sometime in January.”
A two-sport star at Prospect HS, Palczewski is currently suiting up for the wrestling team. He missed his entire junior season on the gridiron due to a neck injury, which slowed things down in his recruitment.
Illinois offensive line coach Luke Butkus heads up the recruitment. According to Palczewski, one of the deciding factors will be his relationship with his potential offensive line coach at the next level.
“That’s who I’m going to be spending most of my time with in my college career,” Palczewski said. “I’ve been talking a lot with Coach Butkus. He’s been at my school every week. He’s really been doing a lot to let me know how important of a player I am for them.”
Palczewski also likes the direction of the program under head coach Lovie Smith, particularly the focus that Smith puts on locking down the state of Illinois.
“I really like Coach Smith because I feel like he brings a certain edge to Illinois, and I think he’s going to do a lot of good things for the program,” Palczewski said.
“It’s extremely important for Illinois to recruit players from Illinois. He said that he wants to put a border around Illinois and make sure that other universities don't take players from here.”