By Bobby Narang
Oswego East High School senior Jared Badie already is considered one of the best players in the State.
At 6-5 and 218 pounds, Badie is a bone-crushing, sideline-to-sideline, linebacker capable of changing the outcome of a game with his physical style and athleticism.
Badie had a number of options for college from throughout the country and ultimately choose the University of Illinois over Tennessee this month.
“I’m excited for my teammates and to make an impact (at Illinois),” Badie said.
But first, Badie is slated to make a two-way impact for the Wolves in the Fall. Oswego East head coach Tyson LeBlanc is planning to utilize Badie on offense this season.
Needless to say, Badie said he’s excited to be on the field for more repetitions Badie made a big impression by catching several passes in a 7-on-7 at Downers Grove South July 17.
“I’m getting back to my roots and having fun with offense,” Badie said. “It’s been since eighth grade that I last played offense. I knew I wanted to play offense for my senior year, and help my team win.
“I’m definitely excited to do whatever it takes. It was fun catching passes. It’s bittersweet to be a senior. I’m ready to be a leader and leave (Oswego East) with a bang.”
LeBlanc said Badie is an elite player who he plans on spreading around the field.
“We plan on using Jared at H-Back and little bit at slot receiver,” LeBlanc said. “Jared is the centerpiece on defense, but he’s a solid all-around athlete and we have to use him all over the field.”
Oswego East senior wide receiver Ty Carlson was another player making an impact, especially against Lincoln-Way East last season. Carlson had several memorable catches, including skying high for a pass along the sidelines for a 25-yard highlight-reel reception.
The 6-4 and 170-pound Carlson said he’s ready to become a bigger part of the offense this year.
“Last year was my first year starting, but I learned you have to control your emotions because it’s not the same as the sophomore level,” Carlson said. “Once you get to the big stage, people are looking at you. You have to be the guy who your team can count on to make a play and be a leader.”
• LeBlanc pointed to other players among the four starters set to return on each side of the ball. The Wolves return numerous high-caliber players, among them junior all-around two-way player Oshobi Odior to go with senior running back Darquel Sanders, safety Jabari People, kicker Owen Valek and linebacker Juny Almeida. At quarterback, Josh Polubinski is scheduled to be the starter.
“Josh has done a really nice job, just a really solid all-around athlete,” LeBlanc said. “With him playing up on the varsity gives him a leg up coming into the season. We’re going to be young up front on the offensive line. Defensively, we’ve got Jabari Peoples at one of our safety position. He has a high football IQ. Juny is back at inside linebacker, and we got a transfer from Plainfield South in linebacker Robert Coleman. He’s a kid who looks the part, is big and strong, and a thumper.
“Jared Badie is the high-rated guy, but Odior is probably our best all-around player. He’s a heck of a football player and can do so many things. Owen is a guy who I think can be a Power Five (Conference) guy. If we can get to the 30-yard line, I’ll be comfortable with him.”