Santino Panico

Athlete...6-0...200...Libertyville, Ill. (Libertyville)

A versatile performer from the Illinois prep ranks, Santino Panico (pronounced Pan-EE-coe) is one of two Nebraska recruits from Illinois, the home state of Husker Head Coach Bill Callahan. Panico lined up at several positions on both sides of the ball during his prep career and last fall helped Libertyville High School to a 13-1 record and a state runner-up finish in Class 7A (second-largest), losing in double-overtime to Oswego in the state title game. Panico scored 23 touchdowns and accounted for more than 2,000 total yards, including 1,300 yards by rushing and 550 via receiving. Of his 23 touchdowns, 20 were by rush, including 18 of 30 yards or longer. He also scored touchdowns by reception, interception (school-record 85-yarder) and by punt return for Coach Randy Kuceyeski's squad. Panico also started on defense for four years, playing defensive back and linebacker and saw extensive action on special teams. He had 72 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and two recoveries as a senior. As a reward for his standout play, Panico was named the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year. He was a first-team all-state selection by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun, The News Gazette, The Pioneer Press-News and the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association. He also earned all-area and all-conference honors. Panico was one of three Husker signees who played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in early January in San Antonio, where Panico played defensive back and wide receiver. Panico was also selected as an All-American by PrepStar Magazine and Reebok and was a USA Today honorable-mention All-American. As a junior, Panico gained over 1,100 yards of total offense and scored 13 touchdowns. Panico won the 2003 Chris Zorich Award, given to the Chicago area prep player with the top achievement on and off the field. He also works with mentally impaired children as part of the "Best Buddies" program and gives motivational speeches to local area elementary schools. Panico chose Nebraska over Indiana, South Carolina, Ball State and Eastern Michigan. Panico is the son of Anthony and Deanna Panico and was born on Feb. 7, 1986, in Chicago. He plans to major in psychology at Nebraska.

Why Nebraska? ? "I picked Nebraska for three reasons?Coach Callahan's honesty; the kind players I met on my visit; and because of my meeting with psychology professor Calvin Garbin."