Bruising Fullback Waiting On Offers

The 2007 season is at the half-way point and although there are a lot of schools that are putting the finishing touches on recruiting, there are still some that are looking for the late blooming high school seniors that have emerged as D-1 prospects.

Tyrone Saunders, a fullback from Naperville (Ill.) North is one of those prospects.

“Tyrone Saunders is an absolute load,” said Naperville North coach Larry McKeon. “We can’t tackle him in practice and he’s even tougher in games.

“Tyrone is a guy who just turned the corner this year. He played for us last year but everything has come together for him this year.

"He blocks well, runs well, gets the tough yards and he’s just a special weapon as the lead blocker in our running game. “Tyrone is a true-fullback but he has soft hands and can catch the football on swing passes. He's a talent for sure.

"Tyrone is 6-2 and about 260-pounds, he runs in the 4.8 range and could play on either side of the football at the next level.”

We caught up with Saunders after a recent practice and he said several schools are starting to show interest.

“Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois, Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan are starting to get in touch.” Saunders said.

“Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan and Iowa are my current favorites.

"I don’t have an offer yet but hopefully if I continue to do my job on and off the field, things will start to happen.

"We’re 8-0 right now and some newspapers say we’re the No. 1 team in the state. I love to throw blocks. I’m usually punishing the outside linebackers most of the night.”

Saunders is a former basketball player that won’t play this year in order to concentrate on football and preparing for the next level.

If there are schools out there that use a fullback in their offensive sets, Tyrone Saunders is definitely a prospect to check out.