South Dakota likes versatility of Barrington's Terry

Terrance Terry wondered if the versatility he showed to help Barrington's football program would hurt his college prospects.

"I was very concerned - that was my biggest concern all offseason," said Terry, who played running back, wide receiver and quarterback in three varsity seasons. "After I made the switch (to quarterback) I wondered if colleges would pass on me as a receiver because of the fact I didn't have senior film at that position."

Fortunately for Terry, the University of South Dakota caught film of his junior year when he played receiver. The second-year Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) made a full scholarship offer last week which Terry verbally accepted.

Terry said he received a call shortly after Barrington's season ended from South Dakota assistant coach Jake Sprague. Terry said a scholarship offer was immediately made and he followed it by researching the school and making a campus visit.

"I was actually very surprised," Terry said of the sudden offer after accounting for 3,357 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns in his Barrington career. "I was under the impression a full scholarship was out of the question with how my position changed and how my senior season went. I was really shocked."

Terry was an all-Mid-Suburban League selection as a quarterback this fall. But he doesn't necessarily believe receiver, where he caught 56 passes for 539 yards in three years, is his best position.

"I'm kind of biased but I think I'm equally as good at all three," said Terry, who also rushed for 1,380 career yards and passed for 837. "I think at the college level I project at receiver.

"They told me they'd like to use me all over the field and I might line up in the backfield or at quarterback under center."

Terry also believes his versatility will be beneficial at the next level.

"I think definitely I'm an all-around better player because of it, especially mentally," Terry said. "I know everything there is to know about every position except the line, but I don't think I'll have to worry about that."

Terry said he liked the smaller-campus feel, the business school, how he'll fit into the offense and the comfort level with the players.

Former Schaumburg quarterback and defensive back Julian Tucker was his host on his campus visit. Terry also hung out with former St. Viator quarterback Dante Warren.

"Everything fit what I was looking for," said Terry, who has a 2.9 grade point average and scored 23 on the ACT.