Chickillo back on the road

Tampa, FL.- Alonso high star Anthony Chickillo has had an active recruitment so far. The star defensive prospect is over 40 offers from the nation’s best. Recently he took part in a big campus tour with several other Tampa area standouts including Terry Bell, Keith Lewis among others. The bus is getting fueled up again to take that same group of recruits on two last visits.

“I just got home from a road trip to FSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. All the schools were really nice, they all had great facilities. We did some camps and those were pretty fun. Ole Miss and Auburn offered while I was there, I like them and Tennessee was good too. Right now I would say that Florida, Florida State, Miami, USF, Tennessee, LSU, Nebraska, and Georgia Tech are recruiting me hard. And Ole Miss and Notre Dame too. This Friday the bus is headed to USF and Florida for a couple more visits. I seem to spend a lot of time with Terry Bell he’s a lot of fun. Dante Fowler is a 2012 kid, and Keith Lewis from Freedom are a couple other guys I talk with a lot.”

While the group was able to visit several schools, Chickillo took a moment to explain where a few schools stood.

“FSU, coach Elliot and I have a good relationship, they need defensive ends up there so they stand out a little because of that. Alabama all is a good coaching staff. It was a good camp. I think they could get me to the NFL and get my highest output as a player. Tennessee coach Smith is a great coach. He’s coached a lot of guys in the NFL. I think he is one of the elite defensive end coaches in the country.”

While he holds no favorites at this time, Chickillo mentioned a list or possibly a decision could be in the near future.

“I might do a list after my season starts or close to it. But I also may go ahead and commit at the beginning of my season. I might not even do a list, I’m not really sure. The schools are all recruiting me at either defensive end or outside linebacker. About 15-20 schools like me for outside linebacker. Alabama and Georgia Tech like me for the hybrid jack linebacker role. And the rest all want me at defensive end.”

ESPN Scouts Inc Evaluation:

Chickillo is a physical and active defensive end who comes from a family who has had some success at the college level. He has good size and the frame to be able to add more good bulk as he gets into a college weight program and continues to physically develop. On film he appears to also have a good wingspan for his build. He gets off the ball well, showing flashes of real good initial quickness. He is tough versus the run as he uses his hands well. He consistently comes out of his stance and shoots his hands and uses his reach to his advantage. He creates and maintains separation and keeps solid pad level and is able to take on blocks and hold his ground. Displays the ability to work laterally and stretch the play on the perimeter. Displays the upper body and hand strength to be able to quickly shed. Does a solid job of squeezing down and closing daylight, but needs to be sure to not get too far up-field. He has a good motor and is a solid and physical tackler. Displays good speed. Will come across the ball and stay square and play within himself and stay in a position to react and make a play on the ball. Will display the ability to be a productive pass rusher. Flashes the ability to get up-field and attack the shoulder and use his hands as weapons to knock the blockers hands down. Flashes the ability to get some body lean to be able to turn the corner. Seems he could benefit from having a plan at times and needs to be sure to not attack the whole man and be able to work off when he does get caught head-up. Will get his hands up if he can not get to the quarterback. Chickillo is a good defender who has the tools be tough versus the run and pass at the college level.