Sandburg’s Zach Barrett was not born with a football in his hand.

But at a very early age, the signs were there that football was in his future.

“My first steps were at the University of Chicago on Stagg Field,” he said. “My dad (Matt) coached football there for a couple of years, and my first steps were on that field.

“My dad really got me into the sport, and it’s been something I wanted to do since I was young. Once fourth grade hit, my parents gave me the all clear to join tackle football.”

Barrett, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior offensive lineman, now has an intriguing choice to make.

While Wednesday is the early signing day and players from all over the country will announce decisions, Barrett said he would still take a few more months to cement his commitment.

He already has offers from Lindenwood, Chattanooga and Grand Valley State in his pocket. And then earlier this month, Illinois called.

The Illini are offering a preferred walk-on spot. He’s gone to camps and visits at Champaign. Illinois coaches know who he is but wasn’t sure where he stood.

“I didn’t get the scholarship, obviously, and that’s something everyone wants,” Barrett said. “But I was kind of surprised by it. I didn’t think they were interested in me anymore.

“I wasn’t expecting to ever hear from them again. I’m grateful for it.”

Earning a scholarship as a walk-on is not easy, and Barrett knows that.

“There is no real set way,” he said. “You show up, you ball out, you do everything that’s asked of you.

“You can give the effort and you can do all of that, but if you don’t have the skill, you are not going to get it.”

If he accepts the challenge from Illinois?

“I have confidence,” Barrett said. “It’s daunting task to take on, but I know eventually I can obtain that scholarship.”

Sandburg coach Troy McAllister believes Barrett’s skills helped the Eagles qualify for the Class 8A playoffs this season.

“His growth and development have been tremendous,” McAllister said of Barrett. “He’s a mauler. He’s a tough kid who gives you everything he’s got.

“This year, we really took a step forward offensively, and having a young man like Zach on the O-line was a big reason why.”

Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Schofield, a Sandburg graduate who worked with the linemen this fall as a volunteer assistant, singled out Barrett in September as a player to watch.

Barrett said academics will play a part of his college decision. His dream job is to work with the CIA.

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He also has shown to be versatile with his school activities. Barrett was recently named as a student representative to the District 230 Board of Education, working with the Building and Finance Committee.

“I’ve been learning a lot — there are a lot of acronyms,” he said. “The first time I went there, I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I’ve been picking it up. I’m understanding it more.

“I’m learning how things work. How we get funding. It’s been an interesting experience, and something cool to be a part of and to put on my resume.”

Sitting in meetings and discussing funds is a far cry from what he loves to do on the football field.

“I love the violence of it,” he said. “Playing O-line is a position where you don’t get any glory. You don’t score any points and you don’t have any stats.

“You just beat up whoever is in front of you.”

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.