New Palatine Junior Tony Balanganayi Started Playing Youth Football AS A 6-YEAR-OLD, he was a running back.
Those Days Are Long Gone Now He’s 6-4 and 260 Pounds.
“Started Just Growing and Eating at the Same Time,” Balanganayi Said.
But those days are not forgotten.
“I Miss Scoring Touchdowns,” Balanganayi Said.
Now he’s paving the way for others to score as one of the states offensive linemen. He’s Also the Newest Member of Illinois’ 2026 Recruiting Class After Committing to Coach Bret Bielema and The Illini.
Balanganayi is the No. 21 Junior in Illinois, Acciting to 247sports.com’s Composite Ranks. He’s Bielema’s Third In-State Commit in the Cycle Along With Lincoln-Way East Edge Rusher Jacob Alexander (No. 16) and Decalb Athlete Davon Grant (19).
Balanganayi took His Official Visit to Champaign This Month, and “It was just a great experience for me and my family,” he said. “Illinois had trust in me, and i had trust in say.”
He had Had Other Power Four Offers from Iowa State, Auburn and Kansas But Liked Bielema’s Vision for One of the Big Ten Rising Powers.
“His Commitment, His Plan for the program is just outstanding,” Balanganayi Said.
Two Older Brothers Also Played College Football: MacKenzie at Wisconsin-Whitewater and BASA at Garden City Community College in Kansas. That helped give balanganayi the confidence that he and Also Could Play at the Next Level.
Football washn’t his only sport growing up. He Also Played Soccer when he was you chura and continues to play basketball at palatine.
Balanganayi Believes that Makes Him A Better Football Player: “Playing Basketball Helps My Cardio and Footwork.”
Now with his recruiting Done, he’s look for finishing his high school career on a high note. The Pirates Went 8-2 Last Season Being Eliminate by Warren in the Class 8a First Round.
“This is going to be a good year,” Balanganayi Said. “There’s the going to be a lot of Improvement.”
Neither for his-list to-list, he said, “i’ve got to be a more talcanding captain for my team.”
More Options for Rankin
Morgan Park Receiver Nasir Rankin is a consensus Top-200 Player National and the No. 6 Illinois Junior, Acciting to 247Sports.com, with more than 20 Power Football Offers. That list includes illinois and a dosen Other Big Ten Schools. Now AFTER a Breakout Season at Point Guard for the Mustangs, Rankin Has Added His First Power Four Basketball Offer from Illinois and Brad Underwood.
Portal news
Two Local Players Are Among Those Heading to New College Teams Via The Transfer Portal.
Cornerback John Nestor, A Marist Grade, Has Transferred from Minnesota and Has Two Years of Eligibility Left.
Offensive lineman jimmy liston (fenwick) will have have three years of eligibility left after going to utah states.
اترك تعليقاً