DUNLAP, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The weather in central Illinois is hot this week.
But the recruitment of football player Mack Sutter may be hotter than the expected temperatures in the mid-90’s.
College coaches across the country say the 6-6, 220-pound Dunlap junior is a top tight end prospect because in his high school career, he’s already been a quarterback, receiver and linebacker.
“In college, at the places I’ve visited, the tight ends have been quarterbacks and receivers in high school,” said Sutter. “A guy like me who plays all over, when he goes to college, the coaches develop then into a tight end because they can do everything.”
College coaches have seen the tape of Sutter throwing TD passes as a quarterback and even returning interceptions for scores as linebacker. They love his versatility.
The list of school that have offered Sutter a scholarship is astonishing. Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon are among his suitors.
Since his recruiting blew up in the late winter, Sutter has offers from schools in the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC and Pac 12. He’s trying to keep all the attention in stride right now.
“I’m trying to take it slow. It’s a fun process, just trying to stay humble through it,” said Sutter, who’s father Eddie was a standout player at Richwoods High School and Northwestern University before playing linebacker for five NFL teams.
He’s been able to combine family vacation trips with college visits since school ended in May.
“It’s a once in a lifetime chance,” said Sutter. “Growing up, it was always my dream to play Division 1 football. Play on the biggest level I could. Never thought it would come this early.”
The recruiting hit overdrive as Sutter was finishing his sophomore basketball season this year.
“I’ve never seen someone become a national recruit,” said Dunlap head football coach Brett Cazalet. “My phone was ringing, texts, we had two or three Power 5 (conference) coaches coming in a day. He’s worked hard.”
This summer, while working on his game as a tight end, Sutter is taking some more college visits. He says he’d like to narrow his list down to some finalists this summer and then make a college choice around the end of the high school football seaosn this fall.
Sutter is remaining connected to his team this summer while he goes through this recruiting process.
“We have a big season ahead,” said Sutter. “That’s what I want to put first — my team.”