There is one spot reserved for an outside linebacker in Northwestern’s 2014 recruiting class, and Belleville (Ill.) LB Tori Millender thinks he might just be able to snatch it. Wide receivers coach Dennis Springer broke down the crude class-position calculus, and Millender embraces the challenge.
“It’s pretty much up to me,” he said. “I have to prove myself.”
His chance will come this June, when Northwestern hosts one of its summer prospect camps. Millender has already been to Northwestern twice – the latest a two-night stay for a spring practice in April – but his third trip could bring to bear something like a do-or-die scenario. If he plays to his maximum potential, sideline-to-sideline range and disciplined tackling and the like, Millender believes he could receive an offer from the Wildcats.
His interpretation of Springer’s words sounds like an ultimatum, or something close to it, because it is. “He [Springer] told me they’re holding that spot,” Millender said. “I just need to play my best.”
As is, Millender holds an offer from Purdue, and has a swath of other Big Ten and other high major programs (Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa State, Missouri, Cal, Stanford) that contact him regularly.
