During the summer, Crete-Monee’s Xavier Slayton had a special workout partner.
While Xavier was training for his senior season as a defensive end/offensive lineman, Slayton’s older brother, Chris, was working on winning a spot with the Atlanta Falcons.
Chris Slayton, a 25-year-old defensive tackle who was drafted in the seventh round by the New York Giants in 2019, has played in one NFL game for the Falcons. He also has been on the practice squad for the Giants, the Falcons and the Buffalo Bills.
Xavier and Chris did some heavy lifting together, challenging each other. That should be a big boost for the Warriors, who are No. 7 in the Daily Southtown’s preseason rankings.
Easy peasy, right?
“It’s competitive,” Xavier said. “He stays on me to make sure I’m on the top of my game. He has stayed determined, dedicated, and makes sure he stays on top of his game. He has been working on his technique. We both have.”
For those keeping score at home, Chris benched 400 pounds this summer while Xavier maxed out at 275. Xavier envisions a day when he can lift 400.
“Yes, sir, but it’s going to take a lot of work,” he said.
More Top Picks Corsair Hs50 Pro
When it comes to work, Crete-Monee coach John Konecki confirmed that’s not a problem for his 6-foot-3, 260-pound standout.
“He shows up on day one ready to play,” Konecki said. “When you have a guy who has the talent and is ready to work, it makes your job easy as a coach.
“He’s a team-first guy, and we’ve asked him to do some things. He first played offensive line and we asked him to transition to defense. He’s really good against the run and is a smart player.”
Slayton also is a go-to guy in other areas, according to senior defensive back Caron Jones.
“He’s one of the defensive leaders on the team,” Jones said of Slayton. “You can always look to him for advice.”
The Warriors open the season on Friday, Aug. 27 with a tough challenge at Lincoln-Way East. The Griffins won 27-7 in 2017 and 41-13 in 2018.
After the 2018 loss, the Warriors went on to finish as the Class 6A state runners-up. Konecki said he doesn’t mind opening up against an 8A power with three state championships.
“Year in and year out, it’s a well-coached program,” Konecki said. “We know that come Aug. 27, they will be prepared for us.”
Under Konecki and predecessor Jerry Verde, Crete-Monee has produced a handful of professional players. Konecki said the goal is to get as many as he can to college. If they make it to the pros, it’s a bonus.
Crete-Monee graduates Laquon Treadwell and Lance Lenoir have NFL experience, while Nyles Morgan is playing in the Canadian Football League.
In comparison with Xavier, Konecki appreciated Chris’ work ethic to get to the NFL.
“Chris was a basketball player and we transitioned him over to be a football player,” he said. “When he got into the weight room, you could see he was going to be special. He had a 10-foot broad jump in high school.
“We figured he would go out to Syracuse and have a nice career, and as things started to progress, it looked like he could be an NFL player.”
Xavier, who has an offer from Eastern Michigan, is not thinking about the NFL just yet. He said he’s not going to let his brother’s success affect what he’s trying to accomplish.
“I don’t feel pressure,” Xavier said. “I just have to play my game and not worry about all the other noise.”
More Top Picks Best Premium Tea Kettles For Enthusiasts
? ? ?
Team: Crete-Monee
Spring record: 5-0
Offensive leaders: Joshua Franklin, junior, WR; Charles Joseph, senior, RB; Malik Morgan, senior, WR; Devonta Freeman, senior, OL/DL.
Defensive leaders: Xavier Slayton, senior, DE/OL; Brandon Harry, senior, DE/OL, Jaden Bynum, senior, DT; Terry Elias, senior, LB/RB.
Playoff history: Twenty-two appearances, including 15 in a row. Class 6A state champions in 2012 and 6A state runners-up in 2015 and 2018.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.