Clear Lake’s DeVries signs to play football at Southern Illinois

CLEAR LAKE — Clear Lake’s Jaylen DeVries signed his national letter of intent to play football at Southern Illinois earlier this morning. DeVries is the Lions’ all-time passing leader, throwing for 6319 years and 68 touchdowns in four years of play. DeVries says he enjoyed his time while visiting the Southern Illinois campus.

DeVries was recruited by a number of schools and says at first it was a tough decision to choose Southern Illinois.

The Salukis will likely have a senior starter at quarterback next season, but DeVries has been told to go into next fall’s practice with a competitive mentality.

The Salukis this season were 7-5 overall and 5-3 in an always competitive Missouri Valley Football Conference. That’s an improvement from a 2-9 record in 2018. DeVries feels the program is heading in the right direction.

DeVries this past season threw for 2358 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also ran for 519 yards and eight touchdowns.