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Manteno's Irvin, Witherow Sign Letters

Manteno's Irvin, Witherow sign letters

JIm Baranski  /  February 16, 2012  /  Views: 91  /   No Comments

In the end, both Manteno football stars C.J. Irvin and J.J. Witherow decided to continue their football and educational careers at colleges that were right for each of them.

Irvin signed his national letter of intent with Illinois State, while Witherow inked with McKendree University in Lebanon.

"It was the best fit for football and I liked the people there," Irvin said.

Witherow echoed much of the same sentiment.

"I was impressed with the coaching staff and the school," Witherow assessed. "It is just far enough away."

Manteno football coach R.J. Haines knows that this is a wonderful opportunity for his players. But, he is also aware of the legacy that they have had at Manteno.

"Both of these young men have been instrumental in the improvement in our program," Haines said. "I am really happy to see both players moving on to the next level."

During the past two seasons, the Panthers have been involved in the playoffs for the first time in school history. The 2011 team won its first ever Interstate-8 conference, and the 9-2 Panthers also won a first round playoff game. In the second round, the Panthers lost a tight game to eventual 4A champs, Rochester.

In that playoff win over Peoria Notre Dame 48-22, Witherow set a 4A record for receiving yards with 305 as he had 12 catches.

Witherow, a member of the 4A all-state team, caught 63 passes for 1,363 yards and 15 touchdowns. Witherow is the owner of all Manteno's receiving records.

"J.J. is a top athlete with excellent speed, and that athleticism allowed him to pick the game of football in just two seasons at Manteno," Haines said. "What sets J.J. apart from other good receivers is his 'ball skills'."

"He has a knack to adjust to balls that are off the mark and make it look easy which gives him a huge catching radius He is also an excellent routes runner and he understands defensive coverages to makes him very quarterback friendly."

Meanwhile, Irvin, 6-foot-5, 305, was a stonewall in the Panther pass protection, and he was a bulldozer in the Manteno running game. Irvin was named most outstanding Offensive Lineman at the NUC Shouman's Combine.

"C.J. is a powerful man, balanced run blocker and pass blocker," Haines said. "It is no doubt that his size is a great advantage, but his mental approach to the game is even more impressive.

"He has been the quarterback of our line for the past two years," Haines continued. "C.J. made all of our offensive line adjustments and checks on the field. He has shown great maturity.

"He had long arms and quick feet. That was evident with the way he is able to play basketball."

Irvin is preparing for his trip to Normal this summer.

"I am anxious for June," Irvin said. "I will be in summer school, and work out with team. Then I have about two weeks off in August before the fall camp,"

Witherow is also looking for interesting happenings at McKendree.

"The team was about 55 percent running last year, but they have brought in some throwing quarterbacks," Witherow said. "I think that we will have more of a passing game in the future."

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