Prochak shows versatility at Shrine Bowl

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The 69th annual Shrine Bowl selection was big for many players across both of the Carolinas, but when athlete/quarterback Nick Prochak received his invitation, it meant a lot considering the even was right in his back yard.

At 6-foot-4, 207 pounds, the three-star Prochak seemingly emerged over the last few months as a player that people have been keeping their eye on. The tall, rangy signal caller in high school went from getting early looks to having several scholarship options on the table. Now, as a participant for South Carolina this year at the Shrine Bowl, Prochak couldn't be more happy with the way things are going.

"It's really been great being around all of these talented players and the experience has been tremendous so far," Prochak said. "I was thrilled to hear that I was in this. I wasn't quite sure where they would put me at position-wise, but I was excited nonetheless. They've got me at safety right now."

Prochak says the move to defense is not completely foreign. After playing most of his football career on defense, the quarterback position didn't start until his freshman year of high school. Right now, he feels like he's getting back into the swing of the defense.

Some schools that have offered are taking him as an athlete considering how versatile he is.

"I just never got exposure at safety because I played quarterback since I was in ninth grade," Prochak said. "I'm catching on and I've been asking the coaches a lot of questions. Most of the bigger schools that have offered are recruiting me as an athlete and then they'll find a spot for me."

Programs like Clemson, Duke, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt have all offered the talented player and he's not wasting time on setting up visits.

"I've got Clemson set up for Jan. 13, South Carolina will be on Jan. 20, and then in between there on that Tuesday I'll be going to Vanderbilt," Prochak said. "I'm going to get all of those out of the way and probably make my decision in early January."

"I don't see myself doing anything sooner unless something drastic happens."

Prochak says that up until his visits are done, he has no favorites at this time. He is glad though to get one last opportunity on the high school gridiron with his talented teammates.

"I'm just real happy to be in the position I'm in with recruiting and things like the Shrine Bowl," he said. "I feel very blessed for sure."

Prochak comes in as the No. 16 rated player in South Carolina.