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Lance Lenoir Commits to the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

Senior wide receiver to play in January 21 game

MACOMB, Ill. - He made amazing plays for four years wearing the Purple and Gold. But when the fall semester concluded, All-America wide receiver Lance Lenoir, Jr. departed Macomb. Now he looks to extend his football career at the next level.
 
Western Illinois' all-time leading receiver accepted an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, held on January 21 on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills in the greater Los Angeles area. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. central and can be seen live on Fox Sports 1.
 
He is the second Leatherneck this year to play in an all-star game, joining defensive lineman Steve Mercado (three tackles, two quarterback hurries) who played in the FCS Bowl game in Daytona Beach.
 
"I know it's in Los Angeles, so there's great weather. A lot of top athletes from FCS and FBS will be there. A couple of guys I know from the conference will be there. It'll be good competition and a great place to showcase yourself," said Lenoir. "I got an email, sending me an invitation. This was the type of game I wanted to get into."
 
Mike Martz and Jim Zorn will serve as the head coaches for the sixth-year Bowl.
 
His performance in Los Angeles will determine whether or not Lenoir will attempt to play in another all-star game.
 
"It depends on how the game goes, since it's a later game. However, you have to start training for your pro days and combines in March," said Lenoir. "I'm hoping to get a call from the Reese's Senior Bowl, so if I get an invitation after that I'll definitely accept."
 
Lenoir completed all requirements save for an internship for his bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement Justice Administration. He is now going to focus on training this spring in south Florida preparing for the Bowl and upcoming Pro Tryout Days. His training location is one he's familiar with.
 
Last year during Spring Break, Lenoir visited his childhood friend Laquon Treadwell while he was training for the NFL Draft at Bommaritos. Treadwell eventually was a 1st round pick by the Minnesota Vikings.
 
"When I was there for Spring Break visiting Laquon I got a feel for the place. It was getting a taste of what it could be like next year. It was fun and a joy to watch."
 
Lenoir leaves Western as the all-time leader in: receptions (273), yards (3,796), touchdowns (28), 100-yard games (14), 200-yard games (2), and consecutive games with a catch (41). In all, Lenoir will find himself listed among the 'Top 5' a whopping 29 times for single-game, season and career records – including 10 total records held.
 
During the 2016 season, he broke the Missouri Valley Football Conference all-time record for most catches. He ended his career third all-time in yardage, surpassing several MVFC receivers who went onto impressive NFL careers.
 
Known as the toughest conference in the FCS, week in and week out in the MVFC is no easy task. Lenoir had 10 of his record-setting 14 100-yard receiving games against conference foes. But even before he re-wrote all those record listings (many of those games against conference teams), Lenoir knew what he was capable of, including playing at the next level.
 
"My confidence level is already up there, I know I can play with the best of the best. You have to have that confidence to do that… The Valley is one of the toughest conferences in the FCS, compared to the SEC is in the FBS.  A lot of great guys come out of this conference, you can see a lot of guys in the pros. It goes to show this conference is not underrated. Being in the MVFC is a good thing."
 
When he stepped on campus, the Leathernecks were coming off a combined five wins during the 2011 and 2012 season. Lenoir played in all 48 games of his career, starting 47 times. He caught a pass in his final 41 consecutive games. Lenoir was joined with fellow wide receiver Joey Borsellino in playing as a true-freshman. During their first 33 games as a Leatherneck, they had classmate Trenton Norvell throwing them the ball.
 
In year one, Western nearly matched that win total from the previous two seasons. Three seasons later Lenoir played a big role in Western returning to the NCAA postseason playoffs. Despite the disappointing end to the 2016 season, the seniors also keyed Western to consecutive winning records – the first time that happened in eight years. The Leathernecks also notched their first FBS victory since 2003 this past season, a 28-23 victory at Northern Illinois.
 
With so many memories to choose from, what stands out to Lenoir the most?
 
"Just coming in and changing the program with Joey and Trenton. To see how everything came from my freshman year to now my senior year a lot of things have changed. To see that happen and see that I was a part of it was a tremendous experience," said Lenoir. "I don't regret anything, everything happens for a reason. Maybe winning a national championship wasn't our time, but maybe it was our time to set the tone for someone else to come in and make it so. I don't regret anything, I'm just pleased with everything that happened, what I could bring to the table and what I did with the people who were with me."
 
Being a four-year letterwinner and starter in a program that dates back more than 100 years, and the legacy surrounding the program, Lenoir defined what it meant to him to be a Leatherneck.
 
"To be a Leatherneck Football player is an honor. You can overcome anything, any adversity you face. Just being tough, strong and fighting to the end. That's what I think a true Leatherneck Football player is."
 
When his playing days are all said and done, with his WIU degree in hand, Lenoir has ideas what he would like to do.
 
"I want to go into coaching, also do something with my major crime scene investigation. But I really want to do coaching," said the record-holding receiver. "I want to stay involved with sports. Maybe open up a training facility for younger kids so they can get a start on it."
 
With so many records and honors to his name, what does Lenoir want to be associated with his name?
 
"The greatest receiver to be here."
 
Looking at the numbers, it's hard to argue against that fact.
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Joey Borsellino

#1 Joey Borsellino

WR
5' 11"
Senior
Montini Catholic
Lance Lenoir

#7 Lance Lenoir

WR
6' 0"
Senior
Crete Monee
Trenton Norvell

#14 Trenton Norvell

QB
6' 5"
Senior
Seabreeze
Steve Mercado

#96 Steve Mercado

DL
6' 1"
Senior
North Fort Myers / Lafayette

Players Mentioned

Joey Borsellino

#1 Joey Borsellino

5' 11"
Senior
Montini Catholic
WR
Lance Lenoir

#7 Lance Lenoir

6' 0"
Senior
Crete Monee
WR
Trenton Norvell

#14 Trenton Norvell

6' 5"
Senior
Seabreeze
QB
Steve Mercado

#96 Steve Mercado

6' 1"
Senior
North Fort Myers / Lafayette
DL