Antioch’s Joey Neumann clearly recalls his first varsity start.
Three years ago, Neumann had showed enough promise to get into the lineup for the Sequoits’ Class 6A second-round playoff game against Cary-Grove.
“I started at safety and just tried to do my job,” he said. “I tried to hit as hard as I could.”
Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said he felt confident starting Neumann in that game, which the Sequoits lost 14-7.
Neumann proved his coach right then and has become a coveted recruit since.
A standout at both tight end and outside linebacker, the incoming senior has offers from Eastern Michigan, Illinois State, Indiana State, North Dakota, Northern Iowa and South Dakota State, all coming in the past few months.
Last season Neumann had 18 catches for 307 yards and four touchdowns on offense and 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks on defense.
“The unique thing about Joey is that being a tight end, it is the smallest group on a college roster other than quarterbacks,” Glashagel said. “He’s able to put his hand down, plays 1980s football and wingback, and is able to now split out. That position has a lot of diversity.
“Those guys, though, get recruited later than offensive linemen or defensive backs. I just told Joey to be patient since he plays a specialized position.”
Neumann, who is on a two-day visit to North Dakota, said he hopes to add a few more offers in the coming weeks. He is scheduled to attend Northwestern’s camp on Saturday.
“Hopefully I’ll get some looks from new schools not recruiting me yet,” he said. “Some of the schools are saying they might play me at outside linebacker or tight end. I love playing both positions. I’m probably more refined and skilled at tight end.”
Glashagel said the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Neumann checks all the boxes on the physical side, brings a unique work ethic to the table and has a 4.55 GPA.
“He’s trained and worked out like he had a chip on his shoulder,” Glashagel said. “Those are the special kids. To be a really good athlete or college player, you have to have a screw loose. What I mean by that is you work out on Sundays, drive to places and drive to camps. Joey does all the right things, even off the field, but he’s got a screw loose.”
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Neumann said he does have a burning desire to improve.
“I really found a passion for all types of weightlifting, from strength-oriented powerlifting to Olympic stuff,” Neumann said. “That’s what’s made football most enjoyable to me. The weight room is such an important part of being a good football player. Plus I really enjoy doing the speed and agility stuff.”
Kaus picks up first offers: Lake Forest forward Rachel Kaus, an incoming senior, made the most of her East Coast trip.
Kaus did some sightseeing, visited numerous colleges and received her first two offers — from New York University on Sunday and Cornell on Tuesday.
“The (NYU) head coach gave me a campus tour with two of her players, then offered me a spot at the end,” Kaus said. “The Cornell coaching staff gave me a campus and athletic facilities tour. Then we ended in the lobby of the gym, where they offered me a spot on the team.
“After I received each offer, I was super excited in the car driving places, calling my coaches, family and friends about the great news.”
Kaus, who averaged 12.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals last season, said she’s planning more college visits after the AAU season ends.
“I’ve been playing basketball for 13 years now, and getting this opportunity to play at the next level is super exciting, and I am so grateful,” Kaus said. “I’ve put a lot of time and effort into succeeding in this sport, and I’m so happy and grateful that it has paid off with the help of my wonderful coaches, teammates and family.”
Tidbits: Warren defensive back Jailen Duffie, an incoming senior, is up to 19 offers after adding one from Ohio on June 10. … Stevenson forward Emory Klatt, an incoming junior, received offers from Evansville, Illinois-Chicago and Illinois State this spring. … Forward Joshua Thomas announced earlier this month that he will transfer from Stevenson to Evanston for his senior year.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.