How 'bout Howard?

''I read all the criticism about my hire,'' Howard said. ''It was the best thing that happened to me. It motivated me to go to work.''

Since that time, Howard has played a key role in landing commitments from four Chicago-area stars: Brandon Paul (Warren), Stan Simpson (Simeon) Crandall Head (Crane) and Tracy Abrams (Mount Carmel).

Weber looks like a genius.

''It's remarkable what [Howard] has done,'' recruiting analyst Joe Henricksen said. ''In such a short time, he kicked down the door and got Illinois back into Chicago.''

suntimes.com