Focus 2007 - O-Tackle Jack Cornell

Jack Cornell Jr., a 6-foot-7, 305-pound, offensive tackle, from Notre Dame High in Quincy, Ill., will be one of the most sought after prospects in the Midwest this year. Cornell has several offers under his belt, he talks about his current favorites and which school he’s been of fan of since he was a youngster.

“Right now I have offers from Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois.” Jack Cornell said.

“I have a feeling that Florida, Iowa, Michigan State and Wisconsin are close to offering a scholarship also.

"I grew up a huge fan of Florida. I love the Gators. I’ve been talking to Coach (Greg) Mattison from Florida and we’ve struck up a pretty good relationship.

“My favorites right now are Florida, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Illinois.

“I’m going to Iowa on April 15th for an unofficial visit and Coach Mattison told me to say hello to his son (Brian Mattison) who plays at Iowa.”

Cornell was moved up to the varsity as a sophomore, where he played tackle at 6-5 and 265-pounds. “Big Jack” has grown up a little bit since his sophomore year and he likes to get down- right nasty on the football field.

“I’m good at locking on my block and finishing,” Cornell said.

“I don’t stop until I get the pancake. I think I’ve got above average speed and quickness, at least that’s what I’m told. I ran a 4.5 shuttle at a recent combine and that’s pretty good for an offensive lineman.

“As far as things I want to work on, I’d have to say my flexibility for sure. I don’t want anyone to think that I do everything else great, I think you can always get better but I need to work on being more flexible.”

Cornell has been on junior day visits with Notre Dame, Michigan State, Illinois, Missouri, Florida and Northwestern. He plans on camping at Michigan State and Florida this summer. Jack will also go with his team to the Missouri camp.

While it seems that giving an early commitment has become en vogue the past few years, Cornell has a different take on when he’ll be pulling the trigger.

“I probably won’t commit until February,” Cornell explained. “I’m in no hurry. I plan on taking all of my official visits in December after our season. I’m not going to be graduating early either. I go to a catholic school and graduating mid-term is hard to do because of our religion requirements.”

Jack Cornell was named all-state by the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune and the Champaign News-Gazette.