Boilers Offer Illinois Linebacker

Nick Clancy, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound, linebacker, from Joliet (Ill.) Catholic could be the best kept secret in the Land of Lincoln. Clancy has the potential to be as good as former teammate and Wisconsin Badger Kevin Rouse. Clancy just received his first scholarship offer this evening.

“Purdue offered me tonight and I will be getting the letter in the mail soon.” Nick Clancy said.

Clancy, also a standout baseball player, had one of the best highlight films on the gridiron I’ve seen so far this year. Nick has tremendous size, he fills the alley well in run support and he’s not afraid to stick.

Clancy was a free safety and running back for the Hilltoppers last year but he’ll move down and fill Rouse’s middle linebacker shoes in 2007. We asked Nick if he had any early favorites.

“Vanderbilt, Purdue, Ball State, Air Force and Eastern Michigan have all offered,” Clancy said.

“My favorites are Notre Dame, I’ve been a lifetime Notre Dame fan, that’s my dream school. I also like Illinois, Iowa, Purdue, Wisconsin and Boston College.” Does Clancy have any camp and combine plans for the spring and summer?

“I got an invitation to the Nike Camp May 5th at Purdue. I’ve also been invited to the Scout.com combine on May 19th. I plan on going to Wisconsin’s one-day camp and I might go to Notre Dame’s camp also.”

Clancy finished his junior season with 85 tackles, 8 interceptions, 4 batted balls and several tackles for loss. He was an all-area and all-conference selection.

Nick told us that he’s been to Iowa, Illinois and Notre Dame for junior days.