Colton Moskal has two talents on the football field that trump his other skills: his speed and his ability to diagnose plays.

And in the Illinois state semifinals a year ago, he showcased both.

On a third down, the Glenbard West guards pulled, leaving an opening at the line scrimmage. Moskal read the play and the Lake Zurich middle linebacker shot through the gap to deliver a hit.

Fourth down.

That explosiveness brought Moskal much recognition from the college football spectrum. After discussions with other Syracuse commits, he verbally committed to the Orange in June, becoming the fourth recruit in SU’s Class of 2014. He’s one of four linebackers expected to join the Orange next season, in addition to Parris Bennett, Zaire Franklin and soft-verbal commit Jason Cabinda.

Ranked by Scout as the class’s No. 51 middle linebacker, the three-star recruit chose SU instead of offers from Minnesota, Cincinnati, Northern Illinois and others.

“I felt more comfortable there with the coaches and the team already,” Moskal said. “Academics has a big role in my life, so it was definitely a big spot on my decision.”

At 215 pounds, Moskal is smaller than all but four of Syracuse’s 12 current linebackers. But the notion of him being undersized compared to others at his position doesn’t concern Lake Zurich head coach Dave Proffitt.

“I believe in this day and age, in college football as well as the professional level, size is not that big of a factor anymore,” Proffitt said. “Speed is what you need. Period. Yeah, size is great but if you can’t run, you ain’t going to play.”

According to Rivals, Moskal runs a 4.58 40-yard dash, which would’ve ranked him in the top five at the 2013 NFL combine out of all participating linebackers — outside and inside.

His highlight video on YouTube backs it up. The clips show Moskal’s bursts from the second level through holes at the line of scrimmage, and the subsequent throwing of quarterbacks and running backs to the ground.

Ball carriers have little chance of escaping Moskal’s closing speed.

“I don’t know how he moves so well at his size,” said Rodney Williams, a New Jersey safety who is also verbally committed to SU’s incoming class, in a text message. “He fits our class well… so the sky is the limit for us.”

And if Moskal doesn’t penetrate the line, he can shed blocks and wrap up ball carriers in traffic.

The highlight video even features some versatility — from Moskal charging in off the line to block a punt to running a post route to score a touchdown on a fake field goal.

“Everything he does is good,” Proffitt said. “He can run. He’s very smart. He’s a good tackler.

“His demeanor and his abilities will bring a lot to any program that he goes to.”

A team captain for the 7-0 Bears, Moskal anchors a defense that has shut out three opponents and has allowed, on average, less than six points per game.

Once Moskal wraps up his high school career, he’ll move on to Syracuse, where he’s unsure exactly how he’ll be utilized, but his speed will certainly be of use to the Orange.

“I don’t know how they plan on using me,” Moskal said, “just as long as it helps the team win. Whether it’s linebacker blitzing or doing whatever, I’m willing to help the team and do what I can.”

Published on October 15, 2013 at 12:23 am

Contact Phil: pmdabbra@syr.edu | @PhilDAbb