- Guyer defensive back John Schilleci (11) covers Cedar Hill wide receiver Brandon Harris in the Kirk Herbstreit National Kickoff Classic last season at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Schilleci committed to North Texas on Monday.
UNT picked up a commitment from Guyer defensive back John Schilleci this morning.Schilleci played cornerback last season, but will make the move to safety this fall. He has some serious speed. He has run a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and won the District 7-5A title in the 100-meter dash as a sophomore at 10.68.
He had an offer from Washington State.
Schilleci was recruited by offensive line coach Mike Simmonds and new safeties coach Noah Joseph.
Landing a player with an offer from a Pac-10 school is a big win for UNT. The fact that he is a local player makes his commitment even bigger.
UNT has always eyed the talent in Denton that has taken the quickest path out of town to other schools around the state and in some cases halfway across the country.
It’s been years since UNT has had a local player who contributed in a major way, depending on what one considers a local player. Cass Starks, a former Ryan standout, played for UNT back in the bowl era, but never made a major contribution. James Mitchell was a backup running back after playing for Liberty Christian.
The hope is that Schilleci can break the ice in Denton for the Mean Green. That was his hope after committing to UNT and head coach Dan McCarney.
“UNT has always been kind of under the radar, but McCarney has already picked them up quite a bit,” Schilleci said. ”I think a lot of kids will start going there. Denton really is a great place to live. It’s got everything. It’s a good, small town.”
Schilleci is the first Denton recruit UNT has landed, but the school also has a commitment from Lewisville linebacker Calvin Minor.
McCarney has said ever since he took over the program that he wants to build with local players. Picking up commitments from Schilleci and Minor are steps in that direction.