While the postseason accolades continue to roll in for Urbana (Ill.) High School senior football player Cameron Mammen, so does attention from college coaches
Named to various all-state teams already for his stellar senior season, Urbana head coach Nathan Watson said Mammen would like to make a college decision by early January.
Illinois is still in play for Mammen, who would likely line up either at wide receiver or defensive back if he lands at Illinois after a superb high school career at quarterback.
"They're looking at Cam as a defensive back or a slot receiver," Watson said. "I think Cameron's best spot in college is at a slot receiver, and the reason Illinois is potentially a really good fit for Cam is because he was probably our best wide receiver on our team. He just happened to play quarterback for us."
Mammen threw for 1,790 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions this season for the Tigers, who finished 9-2 and won the school's first-ever playoff game. He also rushed for 1,218 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards a carry.
Illinois — which is up to 23 commits for the Class of 2013 — has not offered Mammen a scholarship yet, Watson said, but in talking with Illinois recruiting coordinator Alex Golesh, the Illini are aware of Mammen.
"I still think Illinois is an option for Cameron," Watson said. "I know they want him to play there, it's just a matter of how much (of a scholarship) they're going to give him. I think he could walk on there if he wants, or there's the opportunity for a partial (scholarship) or a full ride."
Mammen is currently competing with the Urbana wrestling team, where he has the top ranking in Class 2A at 170 pounds, according to Illinois Best Weekly. But the only sport he'll play in college is football.
Mammen went on unofficial visits to Illinois for the squad's final two home games, turning down a chance to visit Eastern Illinois, one of several in-state schools, including Illinois State and Western Illinois, that have indicated an interest in Mammen possibly playing quarterback at that school.
"Cam's going to end up somewhere, but he's got to look at all his options at all levels and see who's going to give him the most financial assistance," Watson said. "Illinois is the most prestigious school speaking with Cam, and I know Cam is a huge Illinois fan. He'd like to go there."
Aside from Mammen, Watson said other Urbana seniors, including middle linebacker Josh Pratt, defensive tackle Mikshadd Townsend, tight end Devon Williams and offensive lineman Tanner Laznik have all attracted interest from several Division II, Division III and NAIA programs.
"The amount of college coaches that have been calling me and emailing me is almost overwhelming. I almost need a secretary," Watson said with a laugh. "It's a fun busy, though. This is why we've done all this work for the last four years is to get these guys in college."