Batavia’s 2018 OT Nolan Eike is a fast rising prospect who’s stock is ticking up bigtime. We talked what’s next for his recruiting, his improvements this offseason and his underrated teammates.

You can find Nolan on Twitter @EikeNolan.

Nolan Eike

Offensive Tackle
Batavia
Batavia, IL

Ht: 6’6″
Wt: 260 lbs
Class: 2018

Commitment status: Undecided

LPI: You guys finished the season very well at 8-3, but fell to a tough Jacobs team in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Now that your season is over, what are you going to do to take your game to the next level?

NE: We had a good year, ended to soon, but as a junior I learned a lot from my senior o-line teammates. The biggest thing I learned was how much hard work and dedication it takes to be part of a successful program like Batavia has built. My plans for the off season include lifting and conditioning with my teammates and work on improving my power and speed. I also plan on improving my knowledge and skill level as an offensive lineman. In the spring, I will compete on the Track and Field team.

LPI: You currently don’t have any offers, but are on a mission to prove that you can play at the next level. What can you bring to the table for a college program or why should a school offer you?

NE: I am working hard and dedicating a lot of time to getting stronger and faster this offseason. I grew a lot from my sophomore year to my junior year (6’4 195lbs to 6’6 260lbs). With my body growing so quickly, I am trying to catch up with my speed and strength. I feel my best assets are that I am willing to learn and listen to my coaches, as well as I am always setting goals and challenging myself to improve. There are a few things that are important to me that I believe colleges and universities will appreciate such as my willingness to listen to my coaches and do whatever it takes to improve, I strive hard in the classroom, and I am a team player.

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

NE: I have received emails and letters and sent interest questionnaires to schools such as Purdue, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, Western Illinois, University of Northern Iowa, Wyoming, and North Central. I am in the process of looking for schools that will have a strong academic program in my field of interest.

LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any visits coming up?

NE: With the season just ending for us, I am in the process of setting up several unofficial visits. I have scheduled a visit to Purdue and SIU for the next two weekends. I am looking forward to the possibility of attending Junior Day invites at some of the schools that I have been in contact with.

LPI: You guys have a very talented team with yourself, Evan Day and Glenn Albanese receiving recruiting attention. 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?

NE: I think we have many individuals whom, if they chose to play at the next level, would have the ability to be successful. Senior teammates such as Ross Berggren (OG), Dana Anderson (RB), Jack Darby (C, LS) are just a few. Teammates who are in the 2018 class I believe should have schools looking at them are Michael Niemiec (DB), Reggie Phillips (RB), Tom Stuttle (WR, DB), and Max McFadden (DT).