Clancy and Olson issue verbals

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National letter of intent signing day is on the horizon for high school football players across the state of Illinois, and a pair of the Joliet area's finest delivered verbal commitments late Tuesday night.

Joliet Catholic Academy's Nick Clancy told Tim O'Halloran, a.k.a. Edgy Tim of edgytim.com, that he has given his verbal to Boston College.

Joliet Catholic Academy's Nick Clancy told Tim O'Halloran, a.k.a. Edgy Tim of edgytim.com, that he has given his verbal to Boston College.

According to morrisredskinsfootball.com, Morris' Ben Olson has issued a verbal for Eastern Illinois, the school that produced Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

According to morrisredskinsfootball.com, Morris' Ben Olson has issued a verbal for Eastern Illinois, the school that produced Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Clancy came into the 2007 season not only highly touted, but as the player in the area with the family pedigree. Nick's older brother Chris is a junior at Ball State. Chris Clancy rushed for 27 yards and caught 2 passes for 15 yards in last weekend's 28-17 loss to Illinois. He also has played linebacker this season.

Nick Clancy has been receiving the bulk of his recruiting interest as a 6-foot-2, 220-pound outside linebacker. He has played inside linebacker for JCA (9-1) this fall for head coach Dan Sharp, switching back to the position from being a single safety in the Hilltoppers' 4-4.

As a sophomore, Clancy debuted on the varsity as an outside linebacker, showing the type of speed and athleticism that causes scouts to drool.

The 6-foot-4, 273-pound Olson has played parts of four varsity seasons in football for Morris (8-2), beginning as a fullback prospect because of his size and likewise athleticism.

However, after missing much of last year due to an illness, Olson has taken over on the Redskins' offensive line as a tackle. Defensively, he also has pitched in on the line with 11 tackles, including 10 solos.

For one, Clancy displayed his versatility in Week 9 against Carmel, a 45-8 blowout for JCA that clinched the East Suburban Catholic Conference title. Clancy entered as wingback and on his first carry, ran 43 yards for a touchdown.

Morris, the undefeated Southwest Prairie Conference champions under coach George Dergo, continues its trek in the Class 5A playoffs on Saturday at 1:30 against Rochelle (7-3).

JCA, meanwhile, plays host to Crete-Monee (7-3) in the second round of the 6A playoffs. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.