LB Fitzpatrick is so ready to go

It's been a long time since Carol Stream (Ill.) Glenbard North linebacker prospect Jaleen Fitzpatrick (6-foot-0, 205 pounds) has put on a helmet and went out to the practice field. Fitzpatrick, who suffered an early junior year season ending injury in 2016 is potentially the happiest player in the State of Illinois to report for the first official day of football practice.

"I am 100 percent ready to go," Fitzpatrick said. "I'm like overly excited for the season. I just plan to get up early on Monday and go. It's been a lot of work and rehab to get back but now I'm back."

Fitzpatrick is hoping that all of his hard work from rehabbing along with working out on his own will help make him an even better player than a year ago.

"I was fully cleared about a week ago so I'm able to do everything. I'm back to working out and doing what I used to do and I feel pretty good. I'm still working on getting all of my speed back and then getting even faster than before. I'll put it this way, I'm not any slower than I was last year. I'm most definitely stronger. I was able to lift a lot and did as much as I can."

Has Fitzpatrick stayed in touch with any colleges?

"This month I've been in touch with a lot of different schools and they all want to know when I was cleared and back with the team. I've been talking to some D2 schools like Grand Valley State and the University of Indianapolis plus some smaller schools like UW Whitewater. They all want to see some of my senior tape."

So how are the Panthers shaping up for the season?

"We are looking pretty good this summer. Our defense is pretty tough and the offense is really starting to come along. We are going to have a really good season."

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