Kent, Rodgers make college commitments
Wauconda quarterback Brian Kent, one of the most prolific passers in Lake County last fall, has signed a letter of intent to continue his education and football career at Wayne State College in Nebraska.
Meanwhile, Wauconda senior tight end/linebacker Colton Rodgers has signed with Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Wauconda coach Dave Mills said Kent took official visits to Northwood, Valparaiso, Monmouth and Wayne State.
Wayne State is an NCAA Division II school that competes in the 14-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The Wildcats went 6-5 in 2010 with two wins coming against top-25 teams (Nebraska-Kearney and Augustana).
"Wayne State really impressed Brian with its facilities, new (offensive coordinator), style of play and desire to keep winning," Mills said.
A two-year starter at quarterback for Wauconda, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Kent operated the Bulldogs' spread option and, as a senior, threw for 1,526 yards and 14 touchdowns, while completing 53 percent of his 169 passes. He also rushed for a team-best 755 yards and 13 TDs.
The 6-4, 220-pound Rodgers will head to Drake, which plays in the Pioneer Football League.
"Colton visited Drake two weeks ago and was impressed with their coaches, school and program," Mills said. "After the visit, Colton felt great and decided to make Drake his home for the next four years."
"Both players," Mills added of Kent and Rodgers, "are very excited to have their scholarships in hand and are working hard to get ready for their respective colleges."
Raffelson, Venegoni sign with Western Illinois: Carmel Catholic's Luke Venegoni and Lake Zurich's J.J. Raffelson, a pair of 6-foot-3 standout linebackers on standout teams, have signed with Western Illinois University.
Venegoni made 34 consecutive starts on varsity, capping his senior career by earning all-state honor and helping the Corsairs reach the Class 7A state quarterfinals. He was named the East Suburban Catholic Conference defensive player of the year, finishing the season with 120 tackles, including 63 solos.
Raffelson was the defensive leader for the Class 7A state runner-up. He set a Lake Zurich record with 12 sacks and had, in total, 23 tackles for loss. He also led the Bears with 119 tackles and had 2 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles.
Pfeiffer likes Brown: Lakes defensive tackle John Pfeiffer will take his talents to the Ivy League, signing with Brown University in Providence, R.I.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Pfeiffer notched 14 tackles for loss for the playoff-qualifying Eagles. He was named academic all-state.
Daniels, Spencer make it official: Vernon Hills teammates DaVaris Daniels and Evan Spencer, a pair of athletic wide receivers, officially signed with Notre Dame and Ohio State, respectively.
Spencer committed to Ohio State last summer, while Daniels made a verbal commitment to Notre Dame in the fall.
Schurr thing: Libertyville quarterback A.J. Schurr made official his commitment to Army.
He had made a verbal commitment last week.
Wood pens with Penn: Stevenson all-state linebacker Brion Wood will play Ivy League football for the Penn Quakers.
Wood, who committed to the Philadelphia school last fall, was a three-year starter for the Patriots. He made 130 tackles, including 17 for loss, as a senior and also earned academic all-state recognition.