McHenry’s 2017 DE Colton Folliard talks his switch from LB to DE, doing anything to help his team win and putting in countless hours of training at Elite 7.

You can find Colton on Twitter @colton_folliard.

Colton Folliard

Defensive End
McHenry
McHenry, IL

Ht: 6’3″
Wt: 230 lbs
Class: 2017

Commitment status: Undecided

LPI: Your season recently came to an end after you guys lost to a tough Batavia squad. What are you going to do this offseason to take your game to the next level?

CF: It’s back to the grind. I like to spend my “off-season” at Elite 7, a sports performance gym in East Dundee, IL. The owner, Alex Kube, has done a lot to teach me how to play the game, mentally and physically. Together, we will review my game film from this season and see what I can tweak to become a better player. Whether
it is athletically or technique wise, he pushes me to get better every day.

LPI: You currently don’t have any offers, but are trying to prove to schools you have what it takes to play at the next level. What are your greatest strengths or why should a school offer you?

CF: I will do whatever is best for the team. This season I made a big switch from playing Linebacker to Defensive End. Towards the end of our summer camp this year, our new head coach (Nat Zunkel) approached me in regards to making the switch and putting my hand in the dirt. I didn’t think twice about it. Our program had struggled in recent years and I was willing to do anything to help my team win games.

LPI: Offer or not, which schools have you kept in contact with the most? Or which schools have shown interest in you?

CF: The schools that I have kept in contact with the most throughout my recruiting process are Northern Illinios, Eastern Michigan, Army, The University of Dayton, and Concordia (St. Paul).

LPI: What’s next for your recruiting? Or do you have any visits coming up?

CF: My family and I have spent quite a few weekends at NIU this season, my cousin (Sean Folliard) plays linebacker there and it is always fun to see him play. We are looking to visit Eastern Michigan, Army, Dayton, and Concordia soon.

LPI: Who are some of your other teammates that you believe have a chance to play at the next level, but may be getting overlooked by college coaches?

CF:

Gio Purpura: His speed alone is enough to draw attention from several big time programs. What’s more is his hands, vision, and toughness. His upside is tremendous.

Ray Vohasek: He is a very raw linebacker who just began to play the position this year. He made a ton of plays for us on the defensive side of the ball this year and only has room to grow.

Agustin Andrade: That guy has a nose for the football. As a sophomore he had an unbelievable season as an outside linebacker. Injury held him out of his junior campaign. This year, his senior season, he took on more of a hybrid role as a safety/linebacker. He is just as selfless as any coach could ask a player to be.

Andrew Rupcich: It still shocks me that he isn’t picking up major attention from big time programs. This guy is the best OT I went against all year, and there are some big names in our conference.

We have more players that have the skillset to play at the next level but they are still very early in their recruiting process. I wouldn’t be surprised to see their names popping up soon.