Signing day is a culmination of all the hard work athletes have put in over the years to finally reach the next level. When the pen ink hits the paper athletes know that they have defied the odds and are officially one step closer to living out their dreams. This BOOM senior class defied the odds and competed with the best the country had to offer in order to help put Illinois football on the map. Besides winning tournaments and college scholarships these seniors continued the tradition of excellence left behind by their peers. As they head off to college it is time for the next generation of BOOM athletes to follow in their footsteps.
BOOM Coaching Staff Final Messages:
“Consistency and persistency is the key! Work harder than everyone else and your career will speak for itself.” Elliott Ivory BOOM Youth Director
“As you enter college you start day one with your potential higher than your production. It’s your job to continue the process and work ethic you have developed and have the same success in college as you did in high school.” Mike Niklos Head Coach
“Remember the intensity of your grind must reach new heights now. The little things matter greatly in everything that you do. You are always apart of us and expect you back with is you’re home because there is no offseason!” CJ Robertson Defensive Coordinator
“Enjoy the moment! Make sure you are in love with the school as well as the football program.” Lonny Stare Offensive Coordinator
“Difference between the good and great is who works the hardest. I always like to tell my kids that there will be a crossroads in their lives often and they will ask if they should or shouldn’t do something and if they have to ask they already know they answer. Always choose the right way, choose character.” Storm Warner Defensive Coordinator
“You’re forever part of the BOOM fraternity! Trust the process in order to continue having success at the next level. Make the most of every opportunity so that when your name is called you’ll be prepared.” Gus Ramos Director of Media Relations
RB Sam Brodner (Wisconsin)
The Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year silenced all his critics during his record setting senior season. Brodner has the potential to be the next great running back to come through Wisconsin. The Badgers are landing a fast hard nose runner who has no problem shedding tacklers and finding the endzone. He is the ultimate team player and turned down the B1G 10 Network’s invitation to sign on their set in order to join the rest of his teammates at Glenbard West. Brodner gets along with just about anybody he meets and will bring his sports loving attitude to Madison.
ATH Julian Love (Notre Dame)
The Irish are landing a back to back State Champion from Illinois who can play any position on the field. Love will likely play defensive back in college but could see the field early on special teams. He has remained loyal to the Irish after giving them a verbal commitment last spring. Love is one of the smartest players in his class which will help him adjust to the next level quickly.
DL Mike Panasiuk (Michigan State)
Panasiuk exploded onto the scene last spring and capped off his offseason with an invitation to The Opening in Oregon. During his time in Oregon he became the new bench press record holder at the event. Pansaiuk demanded a double team constantly throughout his senior season. After pledging to the Spartans he became an active recruiter for them. This time next year it is very possible his younger brother will be joining him in East Lansing.
QB Steven Frank (Florida Atlantic)
Coming into the season people questioned whether Frank could live up to the potential many people had seen during his career. During his All State senior season Frank proved that he was threat both passing and running the football. He now holds nearly every record at Oswego High School after being a 3 year starter and captain for the Panthers. Frank has decided to become an Owl after building a strong relationship with the coaches and falling in love with the facilities in Boca. He is one of the biggest recruits that Florida Atlantic has ever landed and possibly the future face of their program.
WR Karon Keys (Northern Illinois)
Keys made his mark on the country last year after a video of him at BOOM Tryouts surfaced online and went viral within hours. While he might not be the biggest player on the field he can hold his own with the best of the best. It seems that whenever he plants his foot in the dirt he is going to make a defender miss. Once Keys arrives on campus he should be a matchup nightmare for defenses or in the return game with his speed and agility.
DB Kenney Lyke (Michigan State)
Unlike most seniors Lyke is already on campus and enrolled in classes for the Spartans. He will be a full participant in Spring Ball which will give him a chance to gel with his new team quickly. As a senior Lyke showcased his downhill speed and physicality. Michigan State has had recent success in producing top level defensive backs Kenney Lyke could easily follow in those footsteps.
ATH Emmanuel Rugamba (Iowa)
Rugamba was voted an All- American by scout.com after a stellar senior season. The Hawkeyes have landed arguably the best athlete in Illinois. On offense he stretch the field with his and take the lid of a defense. Defensively Rugamba uses his physicality and athleticism to make it extremely difficult for a receiver to get out of their breaks. Do not be shocked if in a few years Rugamba turns into the steal of the class of 2016.
Other Signees:
TE Brett Borske (Western Michigan)
DL ZeVeyon Furcon (Southern Illinois)
OL Tyler Witt (Western Kentucky)
DB Jayleen Jones (Eastern Illinois)
ATH Justin Blake (Northern Michigan)
WR Andrew Kamienski (Winona State)
ATH Palmer Graham (Alabama State)
WR Anthony Marino (Wisconsin Whitewater)
DB Jeremy Fejedelem (Air Force)
RB Nick Meunier (Army)
WR Maurice Robinson (University of Indianapolis)
QB Austin Strilko (St. Joseph)
LB Charlie Weidenbach (Dayton)
ATH Cordell Finley (Grand Valley State)
OL Hayden LaPointe (Southern Illinois)
DB Jay Williams (Grand View)
LB Alex Taylor (St. Thomas)
DB Justin Pitts (Grand View)
WR Tyler Millikan (Indiana State)
DB Jon Barker (Dayton)
ATH Jeffrey Kamienski (St. Francis)
ATH Dante Cleveland (Central Michigan)