Player Primer: Eric Rooks
I spoke with De La Salle’s heavily recruited WR Eric Rooks on how his recruitment is going and his plans for this season.
You can find Eric on Twitter @eric_rooks4
Eric Rooks
De La Salle
Chicago, IL
Wt: 210 lbs
Class: 2017
Commitment status: Undecided
LPI: What were the most important things you did this offseason and are now doing in practice so you can improve this season?
ER: I did a lot of off season workouts with my team as well as my 7on7 team, HEROH and that really helped me develop as a player.
LPI: Where have you camped/showcased at this summer? Do you think you stood out at any one or few in particular?
ER: I camped at the Illinois satellite camp, College of DuPage satellite camp, Iowa camp and Lake Park camp. I think I showed my talent to all the schools that were there.
LPI: Were you on any 7on7 teams this year? If so, how did it go for you?
ER: Yes, I played for HEROH foundation where I really focused on the mental part of the game. I also worked with the coaches so I could better my routes. We had a good team, but didn’t go to nationals because Coach CJ knew that recruiting was more important.
LPI: You’re sitting on offers from Kansas, New Mexico, Western Michigan and Bowling Green to name a few. What are your greatest strengths or why should a school offer you?
ER: My greatest strengths are being versatile on the field, I can play a wingback sort of position, TE, or just regular WR. Also i have been getting recruiting Interest for playing FS this season as well.
LPI: Offer or not, which schools have you kept in contact with the most?
ER: Indiana, Purdue, Eastern Michigan, New Mexico, and Mizzou.
LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any visits coming up?
ER: The last visit i had was Junior Year when I went to Nebraska and Iowa. I haven’t really planned any other visits to this point I’m more focused on this season.
LPI: What’re your personal goals for this season?
ER: I really just want to help win as many games as possible this year for my team.
LPI: You guys are doing well so far this year at 3-0. What have you guys been doing so you can get back to the playoffs?
ER: The De La Salle culture is much different than past years past and it really seems like everyone is buying into the program now.
LPI: You have guys like Nick Boehm, Joseph Bonds and Wynston Russell who are getting a lot of recruiting attention. Who are some of your other teammates that you believe have a chance to play at the next level?
ER:
Ebrima Njie – Very underrated DL/OL who I haven’t seen lose very many 1 on 1 battles on either side of the ball.
Ryan James – Big WR who runs good routes and can go up and get the ball.
Byron Perkins – Long DB who can get in your face, press and cover well.
Tyresse King – Big DL who gets off the ball fast and can get to the quarterback.
Justin Garner – Slot WR runs cleans routes and can be a vertical threat.