Good news from the local recruiting front; it looks like Farmington Hills Harrison senior quarterback Tommy Vento is finally starting to garner some attention at the college level. Vento, who led the Hawks to a state record 13^th state championship banner this past fall, had previously been being ignored by the big boys due to the fact that he did not win the team's starting job until his last year on the prep gridiron.

Word on the street is that Southern Illinois is hot on Vento's tail and several other mid-majors are trying to get in on the action too. It's understandable. TV tore it up this fall. I'm talking TOM BRADY, PEYTON MANNING tore it up. He threw for over 2800 yards and 31 touchdowns.

About the only thing I can add is…WHAT TOOK YOU GUYS SO LONG?

This kid is THE REAL DEAL. He might have been slow to slip into the starter's seat, but he has that rare "IT" factor that separates the best from the rest. Yes, he's small – only about 6-foot-1. However, Vento is a consummate gamer and someone that has the heart and intestinal fortitude to overcome some of his physical shortcomings.

Vento's recruiting situation reminds me of what went down last year with Novi Detroit CC fullback Niko Palazeti, who helped lead the Shamrocks to a state title with his rugged running style but because he lacked a typical college back's pedigree he was paid little attention by college recruiters prior to his team's run to the championship. For Palazeti, Michigan State came in at the last minute and gave him a scholarship. It was the smart thing to do. Mark my word, Palazeti is going to be the Big Ten's next great power back. Just like, I guarantee wherever Tommy Vento ends up, he'll wind up excelling at the next level as well.

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