Football recruiting: Brion Wood headed to Penn

Linebacker Brion Wood from Lincolnshire, Illinois has committed to play football for Penn starting in the fall. Wood, whose brother is currently a sophomore in Wharton, was featured in this ESPN Chicago article after being named a Player of the Week.

In his senior year at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Wood led his team with 130 tackles, 17 of them for a loss, and eight sacks. The Stevenson Patriots finished the year at 11-1. He was named to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association All State Team. Wood was also named Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Academic All State, among other recognitions.

The idea of Penn as a college destination initially came from Henry, his Whartonite brother. "I've heard a bunch of stories," Wood said. "It's an amazing school. I'm looking to go into business and what better place to [study] business than Wharton. The winning program...is a huge positive," he added about coach Al Bagnoli's back-to-back championship team.

John McLaughlin, the offensive line coach, was Wood's main contact during the recruiting process. Of head coach Al Bagnoli, Wood said, "Coming in to play for a coach who knows what he's doing, I'm really excited. I'm going to be honored to be on his team."

Though Wood understands that starting as a freshman will be a tough task, his goal is to contribute to the team any way he can, as soon as he can.

As for the strongest aspect of his game, Wood credits his intelligence on the field. "I've always been able to read offensive plays," Wood said. That ability has often put Wood on a collision course with the ball-carrier.

Check out his highlight video here.