‘Edgy’ Tim: Batavia football players getting popular with college coaches

Batavia rising senior Darin Ashiru narrowed his top schools list to Western Michigan, NIU, James Madison, North Dakota and Arkansas State.

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound wide receiver made his first official visit to Western Michigan over the weekend and gave the Broncos his verbal commitment.

“I just really felt the love from everyone in and around the program,” he said. “I was able to confirm everything I already knew about the school and the program at Western Michigan.”

Ashiru, who juggled his recruiting process along with track season and 7-on-7 (Boom Midwest), looked hard at his other offers and options but decided Western Michigan was the place for him.

“It's just a case with Western Michigan of when you know, you know,” he said. “They want me to come in and challenge for early playing time, and they have a great program with a great reputation of developing players for the highest level. I'll also get a great education and it's just the best overall fit.”

Two additional Batavia seniors made recent college decisions. Receiver Brennon Zeng (6-3, 190 pounds) added a summer camp offer from Northern Illinois University and gave the Huskies his verbal commitment. Batavia tight end Thomas Prescott (6-3, 220 pounds) gave Wyoming his verbal commitment on Saturday.

Prescott will join Batavia senior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren at Wyoming.

Bess-Henning II settling in at St. Francis

St. Francis junior wide receiver Greg Bess-Henning II (6-3, 180 pounds) is an impressive player and athlete who has been on the move this summer. Bess-Henning II transferred from Carmel Catholic to St. Francis and discusses his move along with his latest recruiting.

“I’m excited to be at St. Francis, and so far so good on everything,” he said. “We are in team camp now and doing lifting and conditioning. It’s been going well and I can't wait for the season to get here.”

Bess-Henning II broke down his recent camp travels to Lindenwood, South Dakota State and North Dakota State.

“Overall the camps went pretty well,” he said. “Lindenwood had a ton of college coaches and I was able to talk to a good amount of coaches. Both South Dakota State and also North Dakota State said they want me to come back this fall for a game-day visit. I’m considering getting out to Eastern Michigan for a camp but I don’t have anything set just yet. I’m also thinking about the Next Gen camp as well in Atlanta this summer.”

Bess-Henning II said he’s excited for his new team in 2026.

“I still getting to know the guys on the team but we have some really good, talented players. (Former East St. Louis and now St. Francis quarterback Jadon Wilson) is also here. I’ve played with Jadon at Boom and he’s a great quarterback. I’m just excited to go out and get the season going and to do some big things this season.”

Antioch’s Lennon adds first FBS offer

Antioch junior athlete Logan Lennon (6-1, 187 pounds) added his first FBS scholarship offer from Miami of Ohio after a strong showing at the Redhawks’ one-day summer camp.

Lennon filled us in on his latest camp plans and talked about the schools showing increased recruiting attention this summer.

“I've been in contact with the coaches from North Dakota State, South Dakota State, South Dakota and also North Dakota,” he said.

“All of those schools made in-school visits in the spring. I’m also in touch with several Ivy League schools. Yale, Columbia and Harvard all wanted to see me in a camp this summer. I know Yale and Columbia saw me at the North Central College camp. I’m also hoping to make some game-day visits to see those schools this fall. ”