‘Edgy’ Tim: Who are the Glue Guys on area prep football teams?
Year in and year out I have the pleasure of getting to know several top football players from across the state of Illinois.
In many cases, I wind up having to focus a large amount of time on the highly-ranked and high-in-demand names. But what about the Glue Guys? Glue Guys are those kids who might not be in the spotlight every week, and all they do is show up and give the team everything they have.
As the season wears on I'll be adding more deserving names from the area as I see them this fall.
Stevenson senior QB Aidan Crawley
Crawley is a multiyear starter who does whatever it takes to lead the Patriots to victory. Crawley threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns last season as the Patriots made it to the Class 8A quarterfinals. His arm talent and pocket presence stand out on film along with his decision making. Crawley, also an impressive baseball player, has drawn football recruiting attention from FCS schools including Butler and Valparaiso. He’s also gotten attention from multiple Division III schools and high-academic programs at multiple levels.
Glenbard West senior ILB Maximus Hetlet
Hetlet, the son of Hilltoppers head coach Chad Hetlet, has been a glue guy since his sophomore year on the varsity level. Listed at 5-11 and 205 pounds, Hetlet is someone I've watched on the sidelines since he was truly a little kid. Hetlet has transitioned from a lead-by-example guy as an underclassman to a more vocal senior team leader for the Hilltoppers this season. His strength and speed along with his football IQ stand out. His ability to go sideline to sideline and make tackles, along with fighting off blocks in run support, is high level. Hetlet, also a standout baseball player, has drawn football recruiting interest from the Division II and high Division III Wisconsin schools.
Lake Park senior LB Joey Michelini
Michelini (6-1, 206 pounds) in many ways could be the perfect definition of a Glue Guy. He has a lot to offer again this season for the Lancers, including a terrific nose for the football. Michelini's overall combination of speed, quickness and his ability to make tackles and finish is top notch. He is also capable of playing outside linebacker and rush end. Michelini is holding an offer from Division II Minnesota State and has interest from various FCS schools. If you’re looking for a kid who will play like his hair is on fire, Joey Michelini could be your guy.
Hersey senior OL Jack Nolan
Nolan (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) is a hard-nosed linemen who is a top name to watch this season. Nolan's older brother Will was a four-star ranked offensive tackle by Rivals who’s now at Iowa. Jack also has the look and feel of a late bloomer physically. Nolan is a three-sport athlete at Hersey (football/basketball/track) and his overall quickness and athletic ability, along with his ability to lock down an opposing defender with strong fundamentals and technique, is impressive. The Huskies have been able to develop some recent kids to the Power Four level, and Nolan has the potential to become that next guy. Nolan has offers from St. Thomas, Buffalo, San Diego State, Old Dominion, Grand Valley State (Division II) and has interest from multiple other schools.