Recruiting Report: Antonio Montero (2018)

With the first wave of college football signings complete, at least one big fish in the Minnesota prep football pool still remains – Antonio Montero. The Mr. Football winner has not committed to any college football program. Montero's Eden Prairie Eagles were the dominant team in 6A virtually the entire year. "I couldn't have asked for a better experience," Montero said. "There were a lot of people saying we didn't have a lot of seniors coming back and a lot of people didn't think we would be as good as we were. We worked out butts off in the weight room and the film room. It was incredible to see the progression. A lot of guys stepped up because of injuries. Just to see those guys fill those spots – it was a perfect way to end a senior season." As players figured out their roles, the team found their stride. "We played as a unit," Montero said. "Both our offensive and defensive lines played well. I think that is what drove us to the championship." Although in his head the type of season Montero had was possible, the season he had surprised Montero himself. "It was pretty unexpected," Montero admitted. "The Mr. Football award was something I always hoped to achieve, but it never seemed like something I could obtain. The thing that changed from my junior year was my confidence level. I played faster and stronger. I trusted what the coaches were telling us. I came in every week ready to attack as opposed to my junior year." Unlike most guys at the 6A level, Montero rarely came off the field. "I have been playing on special teams since freshman year, so I was used to that, but I had to stay in shape to be playing a lot of fullback and linebacker," Montero explained. "It takes a toll on your body. It was important for me to ice and rest. From Saturday to Wednesday every week I was icing getting ready for the next game. I was glad to be out on the field and glad the coaches gave me the opportunity." Although he played running back most of his career, Montero did not play offense as a junior. He made sure he was ready to play both ways during the offseason and injuries in the pre-season thrust the senior into his dual role. "Runningback was something I was used to, but at the varsity level there is more depth, there are better players. As the season went on, I got better at the running back position, and the coaches gave me more freedom." Montero feels he is most effective as a runner after contact. "I think I do a good job moving my feet. After that first contact, I am able to get a few more yards based on the work I put in during the summer. I was able to power through some tackles and get my team some extra yards." Defensively, the Eagles' two-way player might be an undersized middle linebacker, but Montero has learned how to deal with his lack of size. "I do a good job feeling the plays," Montero said. "I have pretty good footwork, and I get myself in good spots. My tackling form is pretty good, and I can get underneath blocks and play with a low center of gravity. It is a challenge, but it is one I look forward to." He knows it is something he needs to improve to have success at the next level. "I need to get better at taking on blocks," Montero explained. "Linemen get so much bigger and stronger in college that I need to be able to square up and take a hit. I need to improve my technique when taking on blocks." Because of his size, Montero had to find other ways to make plays. "I have always had a knack for finding the ball," Montero, who is an avid reader, told northstarfootballnews.com. "I watch a lot of film, so I would know where the ball was going just about every play. I was kind of a game manager. I was able to get guys in the right position based on my preparation throughout the week." During the lead up to a college career, increasing his size is a priority. "I am working on my explosiveness, and my get off," Montero said. "I am working on my upper body. I have pretty strong legs, but I need to work on my fast-twitch muscles." Although he will not sign with anyone this initial period, he should be playing somewhere next fall. "I am mostly being recruited as a weak-side linebacker. I have also talked to a few schools about playing fullback or middle linebacker. I think it is one of those things that once I actually get to college they will figure it out and put me into a spot in that fall period." The possible programs who might have to make decisions on what position Montero might play have grown. "My recruiting is starting to pick up a little bit," said the senior. "I started talking to Wisconsin, and they want to bring me out for a visit after this dead period. I have been hearing a lot from North Dakota State, Iowa State, and Minnesota. Illinois wants to see how the early signing period goes before they decide to offer me. A lot of it is dependent on the early signing period." The hype over the early signing period has ended, but not all of the big prizes have been claimed. A handful of DI programs still have decisions to make on one of the best players in the state.