Monte James-Penn H.S.

Obviously, the Indiana Recruiting Guide is a basketball scouting service. However, for just a few minutes we are going to delve into a fall sport, football. For all of the college basketball coaches who read this please pass it along to your school's football staff.

A few days ago I had the chance to catch up with a new friend of mine, Monte James from Penn High School. After getting a chance to learn a little bit about him I decided that this guy needed to get some more publicity and figured that I could help him out a little bit by putting together an article.

First off, this Senior-to-be is one of the nicest, most driven kids I have come across. He is very appreciative of every opportunity that comes his way and seems to be the type of guy that always makes the most out of any situation. Monte is a 6'3'' 290 pound Offensive/Defensive Lineman, primarily at the Tackle position. His speed is one of his biggest assets, and as a basketball guy myself, I can tell you that his footwork and size would be enviable in the low post. His combination of size, strength, and quickness makes it very hard for defenders to get around him when he is on the offensive side of the ball, and he is equally hard to stop on when on the defensive side.

Monte has worked hard to achieve a major goal of his...playing collegiate football. Recently, he has been assured that his dream will become reality. NAIA powerhouse, University of St. Francis has offered him, and he has also been offered a roster spot a Division III Manchester College. However, his sights are set upon the Division I ranks. As usual with Monte, his hope will most likely come to fruition. He is receiving some serious interest from Purdue, Valparaiso, Ball State, Indiana, Northwestern, Western Michigan and Indiana State. As I said before he is a very driven individual and he spoke at length with me on how thankful he is for every opportunity that has come his way through football. "Every day I get up and thank God for everything He has done for me and my family," he said.

I expect that before too long Monte will pick up a few Division I offers and will be well on his way of making his lifelong dream a reality, not just playing college football at the highest level, but also attending college. He said that he is looking for a school with a good "academic and coaching reputation." I have really enjoyed getting to talk with this young man and I am sure that nothing but great things will come in his future.

To the basketball fans that may read this, please pass this kids name along to your football friends, as they will be hearing the name a lot in the coming fall.