A Conversation With Lemont LB Albert Pontrelli

Jake Lemming

May 25, 2020 @ 10:37 AM

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Albert Pontrelli</h2> Pos: LB Ι Ht/Wt: 6’3, 205 Ι High School: Lemont Ι Position Rank: 6 Albert Pontrelli of Lemont High School is one of the state's top Linebacker prospects. He is a fearless pass rusher off the edge, who plays with a high motor. On film, he doesn't take plays off & consistently chases down runs from the backside. For a 6’3 guy, he’s exceptionally quick off the edge and very flexible as a pass rusher. Pontrelli always seems to be around the football and is never short on making game-changing plays. He features a powerful punch that he uses to get extension on offensive lineman and rip off to make a tackle in the run game. Pontrelli is a natural in Lemont’s 3-4 scheme as a stand-up outside linebacker, and that’s exactly where I predict he’ll play at the next level.   In-Depth: Last season was a good one for Pontrelli, earning second-team All-State Honors and first-team All-conference honors. He felt he not only grew last season on the field but off of it as a leader as well. “Individually, I did well by improving my stats on the field and grew as a leader on the team.” Last season, Pontrelli helped the Lemont Indians to an 8-3 finish, before falling to Chatham Glenwood in the second round of the 6A playoffs. He’s eagerly awaiting the chance to get back on the field and make another run in the playoffs. However, right now, he’s focused on staying in shape and preparing for summer camp. “During this time, I have been going on runs, working out in my basement, benching, jump roping, and hitting a heavy bag by also working on shooting my hands.” Pontrelli, like many Illinois high school student-athletes, told me he’s just ready to get back on the field and play ball. I asked him how Lemont’s 2020 squad is looking, and he gave this. “A lot of our seniors left, so we will be a young team. I think the preseason we will start out rough mostly learning from mistakes and growing from them, but when playoffs come around, I think we will be ready for a good run.” Pontrelli has big goals for himself individually and as a team. “My main goal for this upcoming season is to be a First Team All-State Linebacker. For the team goal, it would be to win state for the first time in our school's history.” Lemont has a solid group of college prospects on their roster returning. He mentioned to me to watch out for DB Jason Berger, a lengthy cornerback prospect with great instincts. Currently, Berger does not have any offers, but he’s a kid I think will definitely pick some up after his senior season. Pontrelli, on the other hand, has quite a few suitors right now. Currently, he holds three offers from Central Michigan, Eastern Illinois, and Quincy. He told me he’s also hearing from the likes of Bucknell, Lehigh University, Missouri Western State University, Winona State University, and University of Sioux Falls. Albert informed he doesn’t have any sort of dream school and is open to playing anywhere. As far as visits go, has he taken any? “No, due to COVID-19 most of the college visits I was supposed to go to were canceled.” Pontrelli, let me know he’s in no rush to make a commitment right now and will either make a decision during or after the season. I think this kid is a talented pass rusher, with a huge frame that he can continue to add size to. He loves the game and works hard it. I can definitely see some other schools coming into play following his senior season. Stay tuned to Prep Redzone for the latest on Albert Pontrelli’s recruiting.