Spring Break
Defense class 'best we've had'
Fourth-year defensive coordinator Tom Casey receives 10 recruits on National Signing Day last Wednesday
Ryan Ferguson
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Sports
Six of the Leathernecks' nine returning defensive starters will begin their farewell tour at Arkansas Aug. 30. With such a large number of seniors on defense next fall, the Western Illinois coaching staff signed 10 defensive recruits on last Wednesday's National Signing Day.
The biggest hit taken by the 'Necks was at the safety position, losing starter Kevin Almlie and reserve Quinshun Riley. Therefore, four defensive backs - two cornerbacks and two safeties - put the pen to the paper and committed to Western last week.
Safety Tyler West joins the Leatherneck program after accumulating 13 career interceptions during his Downers Grove South career, which puts him in the Top 30 of the state.
Defensive coordinator Tom Casey said West was pursued by Western Michigan and Wyoming as well as taking a visit at Illinois State but added those facts do not guarantee the freshman immediate playing time.
"Whether or not (West) can come in and play as a true freshman will remain to be seen," Casey said. "Even though we lost two guys, I think we have some guys that have proven themselves throughout their career here, and it's going to be their turn."
Chris Boone (Chicago-Fenger) and Keith Lewis (Chicago-Curie) each bring 6-foot frames to Western's cornerback position next season.
Boone recorded seven interceptions, returning three for touchdowns during his senior season. Lewis played quarterback, defensive back and returned kicks in high school, scoring 73 total touchdowns in his three-year career.
Two players from back-to-back 4A state champion Addison (Driscoll Catholic) committed to Western, including safety Tim Franken and linebacker Kevin Palermo.
"Good things seem to happen to some players over others," said coach Don Patterson. "Driscoll Catholic … (has) 35 consecutive playoff wins. I mean that's amazing. And we've got two guys off of that team that are coming here. So, those guys obviously know how to win."
Patterson added that players with championship and playoff experience are farther along developmentally because of the extra participation in games and practices.
The biggest hit taken by the 'Necks was at the safety position, losing starter Kevin Almlie and reserve Quinshun Riley. Therefore, four defensive backs - two cornerbacks and two safeties - put the pen to the paper and committed to Western last week.
Safety Tyler West joins the Leatherneck program after accumulating 13 career interceptions during his Downers Grove South career, which puts him in the Top 30 of the state.
Defensive coordinator Tom Casey said West was pursued by Western Michigan and Wyoming as well as taking a visit at Illinois State but added those facts do not guarantee the freshman immediate playing time.
"Whether or not (West) can come in and play as a true freshman will remain to be seen," Casey said. "Even though we lost two guys, I think we have some guys that have proven themselves throughout their career here, and it's going to be their turn."
Chris Boone (Chicago-Fenger) and Keith Lewis (Chicago-Curie) each bring 6-foot frames to Western's cornerback position next season.
Boone recorded seven interceptions, returning three for touchdowns during his senior season. Lewis played quarterback, defensive back and returned kicks in high school, scoring 73 total touchdowns in his three-year career.
Two players from back-to-back 4A state champion Addison (Driscoll Catholic) committed to Western, including safety Tim Franken and linebacker Kevin Palermo.
"Good things seem to happen to some players over others," said coach Don Patterson. "Driscoll Catholic … (has) 35 consecutive playoff wins. I mean that's amazing. And we've got two guys off of that team that are coming here. So, those guys obviously know how to win."
Patterson added that players with championship and playoff experience are farther along developmentally because of the extra participation in games and practices.
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