All heights/weights are either guessimates or found at various other outside sources (Hudl/Max Preps) so if you have any corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com

If you have any changes corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com Looking to get added? Fill out the EDGYTIM.com Top Prospect Survey today.

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A WATCH LIST NOT A RANKINGS LIST!

This is also in no particular order. Also this is a top prospect list NOT a top player list…if you don't know the difference please email me edgytim@edgytim.com

More positions will be added all this week

More names will also be added and this list will be revised often.


Defensive Backs
Class of 2024



DB Charles Miles Chicago Mount Carmel 6-foot-2, 185 pounds 2024 (WMU)


S Talen Tate DeKalb 5-foot-8, 175 pounds 2024


S Leontre Bradford East St. Louis 6-foot-1, 180 pounds 2024


DB Harlon May Carmel Catholic 2024 6-foot-1, 180 pounds


DB Darrel Jackson-Mitchell Chicago Marist 5-foot-9, 160 pounds 2024


DB Devion Reynolds Carmel Catholic 2024 6-foot-1, 175 pounds 2024 (NIU)


DB Chidu Bekee Plainfield East 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2024


DB Elijah Romeus Fenwick 6-foot-0, 190 pounds 2024


DB Tyler Curtis Sycamore 5-foot-9, 160 pounds 2024


DB/ATH Dejhir Gordon Warren Township 2024


DB Carter Barenbaum Grayslake North 6-foot-1, 180 pounds 2024


DB Corwin Greenwell Wheaton St. Francis 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2024


S Michael McCormick Lake Park 6-foot-0, 180 pounds 2024


DB Austin Alexander Marian Catholic 6-foot-1, 165 pounds 2024 (Kansas)


DB Donnell French Fenwick 5-foot-10, 165 pounds 2024


DB Efrein Ramirez Minooka 6-foot-0, 170 pounds 2024


DB Jaion Jackson East St Louis 5-foot-10, 170 pounds 2024


DB Jaiden Bonner Edwardsville 6-foot-0, 190 pounds 2024


DB Carter Barenbaum Grayslake North 2024


DB Jordan Suggs O’Fallon 6-foot-2, 170 pounds 2024


DB Eric McClain Glenbard East 6-foot-0, 175 pounds 2024


S Dillon Conway Chicago Mount Carmel 6-foot-3, 190 pounds 2024


DB Jayden Jones Chicago Mount Carmel 5-foot-11, 170 pounds 2024


Class of 2025


DB Javier PayneChicago Mount Carmel 5-foot-9, 170 pounds 2025


DB Charles Bass East St. Louis 6-foot-1, 170 pounds 2025


DB Donovan Brown Brother Rice 5-foot-11, 170 pounds 2025


DB/WR Andre Lovett Blue Island Eisenhower 6-foot-2, 170 pounds 2025


DB Ahmad Grayer Morgan Park 5-foot-11, 175 pounds 2025


S/OLB Gavin Hagen Providence Catholic 6-foot-1, 180 pounds 2025


DB Dylan Jung Wheaton North 5-foot-11, 200 pounds 2025


DB Tyrone Cotton Glenbrook South 6-foot-1, 160 pounds 2025


DB Myles Green DeLaSalle 6-foot-0, 175 pounds 2025


S Wyatt Mueller Quincy Notre Dame 6-foot-1, 185 pounds 2025


DB Garrett Reese Nazareth Academy 6-foot-1, 170 pounds 2025


S/WR Burke Gautcher Sycamore 6-foot-2, 196 pounds 2025


DB Carter York Sycamore 6-foot=0, 185 pounds 2025


DB Mason Ellens Glenbard West 5-foot-11, 160 pounds 2025


DB Tavarez Edwards Bolingbrook 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2025


DB Javy Payne Chicago Mount Carmel 5-foot-9. 170 pounds 2025


S Luke Zook Yorkville 6-foot-1, 185 pounds 2025


S OLB Grant Gensler Rochelle 6-foot-0, 180 pounds 2025


Class of 2026


DB Jayden Marshall Crete-Monee 5-foot-11, 150 pounds 2026

Hononegah Indians

Head Coach: Brian Zimmerman

Assistant Coaches:

Jeremy Warren, Marc LaMay, Bryan Jenkins, Todd VanSchelven, Phil Adams, Tom Adams, Andrew Trice, Marc Kuney, Chad Smith, Michael Chiodini, Chip Limberg, Andy Bufalo, Austin Baden, Zachary Davidson, Will Coleman, Cody DiGiovanni, Matt Kinney


School Nickname/Mascot: Indians

Conference: NIC-10

Team Twitter: NA

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/25/23 vs. Rockford Jefferson
9/1/23 vs. Machesney Park Harlem
9/8/23 at Rockford Guilford
9/15/23 vs. Freeport
9/22/23 at Rockford East
9/29/23 at Rockford Boylan
10/6/23 vs. Belvidere North
10/13/23 vs. Belvidere Bucs
10/20/23 at Rockford Auburn

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

#2 Cole Warren/QB/6'2"/190lbs./2024
#5 Luke Poppe/RB/5'10"/185lbs./2024
#36 Estin Fichter/RB/6'0"/180lbs./2024
#7 Isaiah Houi/ Slot Rec./5'10"/170lbs./2024
#72 Jacob Benson/ OL/6'4"/260lbs./2025
#54 Isaak (Chuck) Smith/ OL/6'1"/230lbs./2024
#55 Drake Broege/ OL/6'3"/265lbs./2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

#8 Aundre Pilgrim/DE/6'3"/225lbs./2024
#44 Gabe Kohl/ DE/6'1"/230/2024
#99 Michael Floryance/ NT/6'3"/330/2024
#13 Miles Schmidt/ MLB/6'0"/215lbs./2024
#27 Kurt Smith/ OLB/5'9"/170lbs./2025
#21 Kevin VanBriesen/ CB/5'10"/160/2024
#7 Isaiah Houi/ FS/5'10"/170lbs./2024


Newcomers to Watch

Owen Bock, Camden Rodriguez, Cole Schmall, Ben Klink, Brock Anderson, Greyson Motter, Joey Grover


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Beloit College 7 on 7,
West Aurora 7 0n 7,
Summer Camp at HCHS July 10-13, 17-20, 24-27th. (Skill Camp/Lifting/Agility training)
West Aurora Lineman Challenge


Impact Player for Hononegah:

Hononegah senior WR/DB Isaiah Houi (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) is a speedy and talented two way starter for the Indians, Houi, who is holding scholarship offers already this summer from various FCS schools will have a chance to continue to add to his football resume with a strong 2023 senior season showing.


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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Rockton Hononegah Indians:

Hononegah and veteran head coach Brian Zimmerman has built the Indians program into one of the top teams in the Northern part of the state over the past several seasons along with being a power in the NIC-10 conference. The Indians 2022 finished the regular season with a 7-2 regular season record, made the Class 7A state playoff field and lost to Normal Community in opening round action. Hononegah has made the IHSA state playoff field in 7 straight seasons, all of which have been coached by Brian Zimmerman.

The biggest question facing Hononegah in 2023? Can the Indians get back to winning the NIC-10 this fall and then make a deeper run in the post-season. Look for Hononegah to be potentially a state ranked team this fall, and having 14 returning starters back (7 offense 7 defense) along with some real key players no question will be a big plus for this program in 2023. I'll say Hononegah winds up with an 8=1/7-2 regular season record and gets back into the IHSA state playoff field this fall.

Marian Catholic Spartans

Head Coach: Nick Lopez

Assistant Coaches:

DC: Andy Delaurentis Jason Fleming Ronnie Gordon Billy Schimanski Trent Jensen Curtis Crossley Will Ross Scott Schulz Mike Sarek Robbie Cifelli


School Nickname/Mascot: Spartans

Conference: CCL/ESCC Red

Team Twitter: @MCHS_FBALL

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Aug. 25 vs Rich Township
Sep. 2 @ Homewood-Flossmoor
Sep. 8 @ Saint Viator
Sep. 15 @ De LaSalle
Sep. 22 vs Montini Catholic
Sep. 29 vs DePaul Prep
Oct. 6 @ St. Ignatius
Oct. 13 vs Nazareth Academy
Oct. 20 vs Leo Catholic



Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Caiden O’Neil / OT / 220 lbs / 6’ 5” / 2024
Michael Biesboer / OG / 275 lbs / 6’ 3” / 2024
Bryan Maduakolam / OG / 237 lbs / 5’ 10” / 2024
Harmon Cummings / WR / 176 lbs / 5’ 10 / 2025
Kaleb Isom / WR / 202 lbs / 5’ 11” / 2024
Kelby Key /WR / 174 lbs / 6’ 1” / 2024
Tyler Lofton / RB / 210 lbs / 5’ 11” / 2025
Carter Magerski / QB / 195 lbs / 6’ 1” / 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Austin Alexander / DB / 165 lbs / 6’ 0” / 2024
Kelby Key / DB / 174 lbs / 6’ 1” / 2024
Kaleb Isom / DB / 202 lbs / 5’ 11” / 2024
Marcellus Clifton / DB / 167 lbs / 5’ 9” / 2024
Kaiden Jenson / LB / 205 lbs / 6’ 1” / 2024
Joseph Garcia / LB / 222 lbs / 6’ 0” / 2024
Roosevelt Griffin / LB / 191 lbs / 5’ 10” / 2025
Caiden O’Neil / DE / 220 lbs / 6’ 5” / 2024
Joaquin Mendez / DE / 216 lbs / 6’ 2” / 2025
Christopher Hunter-Walker / DT / 297 / 5’ 9” / 2024


Newcomers to Watch

Kyle Scott / RB / 174 lbs / 5’ 11” / 2026
Camren McClellan / DB / 163 lbs / 5’ 10” / 2026
Kyle Bryant / OL / 247 lbs / 6’ 0” / 2026
Ronald Wilkinson/ DE / 177 lbs / 6’ 2” / 2025
Chase Olgesby / WR / 168 lbs / 5’ 8” / 2025
Ronnie Gordon / LB / 198 lbs / 5’ 11” / 2025
Kaleb Stanford / OL / 235 lbs / 5’ 11” / 2025
Joey Baranski / QB-DB / 154 lbs / 5’ 10” / 2025
Ricky Gallegos / K / 152 / 5’ 9” / 2025
Paul Frazer / WR / 172 lbs / 5’ 10” / 2024
Zach Rhein / OL / 205 lbs / 6’ 1” / 2024
Cameron Orange / OL / 247 lbs / 6’ 2” / 2024
Bryce Glass / OL / 237 lbs / 5’ 9” / 2024


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

7v7
@ U of I: June 15th
@ TF North Quad: June 20th
Marian Quad: July 24th
Team Practices Scrimmage:
June 27th @ Culver Stockton
Team Camp: July 13th
Session 1 May 29th - June 29th
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Evening Session 2
July 10th - July 27th Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Evening


Impact Player for Marian Catholic:

Marian Catholic senior defensive back Austin Alexander who is already committed to Kansas is a speedy, athletic twitchy athlete type who can and will play any number of positions for the Spartans in 2023 if needed. Alexander is one of several Spartans who drew heavy recruiting attention over the past year and look for more names to emerge this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Marian Catholic Spartans:

Marian Catholic and head coach Nick Lopez in his first season as head coach posted a 4-5 record in 2022 ands just missed out on qualifying for the IHSA state playoffs. The Spartans had a rough patch at the mid season point in 2022 which saw them lose three close games to St Pats (32-25), Benet (20-14) and St. Viator (18-14) which no question all could have been wins for the Spartans last fall.

The biggest question facing Marian Catholic in 2023? Can the Spartans survive a rugged schedule and find it's way to the IHSA state playoff field. Marian Catholic in my mind could become a very nice sleeper team to watch. I saw the Spartans live last season and I was impressed with both the underclassmen talent level
along with the overall numbers and depth on the roster. This team is a year older and more experienced and I can see Marian Catholic posting say a 6-3/5-4 record and making the IHSA state playoffs for only the second time since 2010 this season.

Linked is my 2022 Final Class 8A Top 10 poll as reference.



So who should be considered for Top 10 in Class 8A?

Post and talk about it here.

Crystal Lake Central Tigers

Head Coach: Dirk Stanger

Assistant Coaches:

Dean Britt, Justen Lehr, Tom McNeil, Matt MacCrindle, Ephraim Lee, Pat Brunken, Brian Tepler, Austin Padjen, Steve Glasder

School Nickname/Mascot: Tigers

Conference: Fox Valley Conference

Team Twitter: @CLCTigerFB

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

@ Huntley
vs Cary-Grove
@ Dundee-Crown
vs Burlington Central
@ Crystal Lake South
@ McHenry
vs Jacobs
@ Prairie Ridge
vs Hampshire

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Jason Penza / QB / 6'2" / 190 lbs / 2024
George Dimopoulos / WR / 6'2" / 190 lbs / 2024
Nick Kozlowski / OL / 6'3" / 240 lbs / 2024
Griffin Buehler / WR / RB / 5'9" / 175 lbs / 2024
Tommy Hammond / WR / 5'10" / 175 lbs / 2024
Tommy McNeil / OL / 6'2" / 245 lbs / 2025
Bryan Nagle / OL / 6'2" / 230 lbs / 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Anthony Morales / DL / 5'11" / 220 lbs / 2024
Cayden Parks / LB / 5'11" / 195 lbs / 2025
Caleb Handley / DB / 6' / 170 lbs / 2024
Rene Gaunaurd / DB / 5'10" / 175 lbs / 2024
James Fier / DB / 5'10" / 170 lbs / 2024
Connor Gibour / LB / 6'3" / 190 lbs / 2025


Newcomers to Watch

Ben Kolodziej / DL / 6'3" / 215 lbs / 2025
Oliver Murray / OL / 6'1" / 230 lbs / 2024
Evan Coleman / WR / 5'9" / 150 lbs / 2026
Cody Coleman / DB / 5'9" / 150 lbs / 2026
Nolan Nabielac / OL / 6'2" / 250 lbs / 2026
Tyler Porter / LB / 5'11" / 185 lbs / 2026
Abe Quinn / QB / 6' / 175 lbs / 2026



2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

7 on 7
NIU
Schaumburg
Lake Zurich
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Antioch
x 2 Downers Grove South
Crystal Lake Central
Kaneland


Impact Player for Crystal Lake Central:

Crystal Lake Central senior WR George Dimopolous is already committed to NIU and will be asked to spearhead a very good corp of receivers this fall for the Tigers. Dimopolous, who had to play quarterback in 2022 when QB Jason Penza was injured early in 2022 was a very under the radar name this spring. Yet NIU saw in Dimopolous what I saw this spring at The Stage Camp....which is a very good sized sure handed receiver with a frame that will add more weight and size down the line.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Crystal Lake Central Tigers:

Crystal Lake Central and head coach Dirk Stanger wound up posting a 2-7 record in 2022, but losing a standout like QB Jason Penza early in the year to an injury no question slowed the Tigers progress. Stanger, a long time quarterback coach and offensive coordinator at Marian Central Catholic will look to get the Tigers back into the FVC conference title hunt along with getting them into the post-season this fall.

The biggest question facing Crystal Lake Central in 2023? Can the Tigers stay healthy and live up to it's potential in 2023? Having QB Jason Penza back in the fold this season is a huge addition for CLC, which also allows the Tigers to move George Dimopolous back to his natural position of wide receiver. The Tigers offense has looked very impressive throwing the football this summer, and if the defense can match the work ethic of the offense this has a chance to become a very nice sleeper pick for the FVC in 2023. I'll say that CLC Tigers find a way to get to 5-4 and makes the 2023 IHSA state playoff field this fall.

Had this yesterday on the EDGY Nation side and it's now confirmed by multiple sources.....the mother of former Marist/IMG Academy and current Ohio State WR Carnell Tate was gunned down Saturday night linked is a story

Glenbard East Rams

Head Coach: John Walters

Assistant Coaches:


Tony Bartolotta Dave Moak Joe Cristina Brian Fetterolf Jim Walker Tiff Hamilton Pat Walker Maurice Mason Matt Lahey

School Nickname/Mascot: Rams

Conference: Upstate 8

Team Twitter: @Ramfbhc

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/26 @ Larkin
9/1 vs. South Elgin
9/8 @ West Chicago
9/15 vs. East Aurora
9/22 @ Streamwood
9/29 vs. Elgin
10/5 @ Fenton (Triton Jr. College)
10/13 vs. Glenbard South
10/20 vs. Bartlett


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Eric McClain (WR/DB, 5'11 180, 2023)
Dalien Zollicoffer (WR/DB 5'9 155 2023)
Dan Zlatanov (OT/DE 6'5 230 2023)
Chris Monk (C, 6'2 250 2023) '
Nick Dillon (OG/DL 6'1 235 2023)
Jesus Vasquez (OG, 5'11 190 2023)
Matt Larson (RB, 5'7 165 2023)
Gio Brusca (WR 5'11 180 2023)

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Augustus Winkler (ILB 6'1 205 2023)
Blake Salvino (ILB/QB 6'2 205 2023)


Newcomers to Watch

Amonte Cook (missed last year injured--2024)
Cooper Conliss 2024
Aaron Dotson 2024
Steyvn Fox 2024
Chris Renford 2024
Teryn Hatter 2024


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Downers Grove South
West Aurora (Big Butts and 7 on)
Team camp vs. West Aurora
Team Camp vs. Thornton


Impact Player for Glenbard East:

Glenbard East senior WR/DB Eric McClain (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) is an impressive all around athlete who will again be an impact player in all three phases of the game in 2023 for the Rams. McClain, who is already verbally committed to Ball State will still continue to draw more recruiting looks this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Glenbard East Rams:

Glenbard East and veteran head coach John Walters is entering his 13th season leading the Rams football program. Glenbard East has seen a resurgence in it's football program making the IHSA state playoff field for four straight years. In 2022, the Rams finished with a 8-1 regular season record made the Class 8A state playoff field and lost to Minooka 16-14 in Round 1 action.

The biggest question facing Glenbard East in 2023? Can the Rams keep up it's winning ways in 2023 while also hopefully adding a bit more depth at all spots this summer? The Rams have a really nice core returning including key playmakers such as WR/DB Eric McClain along with senior QB/LB Blake Salvino and as long as they can catch a break or two and avoid any major injury bug this is a playoff caliber team again this fall. I'll pick the Rams to again finish in the 8-1/7-2 regular season record and get back into the IHSA state playoff field foe the 5th straight season this fall.

Just want to give a shout out to former Cary Grove pitcher Quinn Priester who’s making his MLB debut tonight starting for Pittsburgh against Cleveland. He was the 18th pick in the 2019 draft and was also a receiver from the 2018 6A title team. Good luck Quinn!

Hearing from multiple sources that the Mother of former Marist IMG and now Ohio State WR Cornell Tate was shot and murdered last night in the city. Prayers to the Tate familt

Provi may disagree, but what do you think?

Here’s a look inside the numbers of the Tigers’ state championship run.

803: Coach Tim Funkhouser won his 803rd career game on Saturday. He ranks 10th all-time in state history, two away from ninth place and six away from seventh place, and has the third-most among active coaches behind New Trier’s Mike Napoleon (state-record 962) and Harrisburg’s Jay Thompson (952 wins).

35: On the way to winning the state championship, the Edwardsville Tigers won their state-record 35th regional championship with wins of 6-4 over Quincy on May 24 and 5-4 over Collinsville on May 27.

33: The Edwardsville Tigers won their 33rd game of the season with a 6-4 win over Brother Rice. It was the 16th 30-win season for coach Tim Funkhouser and the 22nd for the program.

20: On the way to winning the state championship, the Edwardsville Tigers won their state-record 20th sectional championship with wins of 9-5 on O’Fallon on May 31 in Alton and 3-2 over Minooka on June 3 in Bloomington.

18: The Edwardsville Tigers were making their state-record 18th state tournament appearance this weekend. It is one of 12 baseball programs, regardless of class, to make at least 10 state tournament appearances. Chicago Lane is second with 15 state appearances.

8: With their fifth state championship in program history, the Edwardsville Tigers earned their eighth state trophy. Along with first-place finishes in 1990, 1998, 2019, 2022 and 2023, EHS also took second place in 1991, 2002 and 2017.

With eighth state trophies, Edwardsville is tied for the third-most among IHSA baseball programs. Teutopolis has 10 state trophies, followed by Oak Park-River Forest with nine and Joliet Catholic and Lyons each with eight.

8: The Edwardsville Tigers were making their state-record eighth state championship game appearance. They broke a tie with Joliet Catholic, which has made seven state championship game appearances.

7: The Edwardsville Tigers won their sixth and seven Class 4A state tournament games over the weekend to tie Providence Catholic for the most in Class 4A.

5: The Edwardsville Tigers won their fifth state championship overall after also winning in 1990 and 1998 in Class AA and in 2019 and 2022 in Class 4A. They are now tied with Providence Catholic for the most state championships.

5: The Edwardsville Tigers became the fifth team to win back-to-back state championships, joining Nazareth Academy (2022-23), Providence Catholic (2014-16), Stanford Olympia (2008-09) and Maine Township (1958-59). EHS and Providence Catholic are the only two to accomplish the feat in Class 4A.

5: Alec Marchetto became the fifth Edwardsville pitcher to earn a win in the state championship game. He joins Mark Little (1990), James Hutton (1998), Collin Salter (2019) and Gannon Burns (2022). Marchetto and Salter are the only two relivers to win. Little, Hutton and Burns pitched complete games.

Marchetto went three innings and allowed one hit with five strikeouts. He is the only pitcher to finish off a state championship win with a strikeout. The other four were on groundouts.

5: Edwardsville High School pitching coach Mike Sabatino has won five state championships in baseball. He has won three with the Tigers in 2019, 2022 and 2023 after guiding Liberty Middle School to back-to-back state championships.

4. Coach Tim Funkhouser won his fourth state championship, including three as a coach in 2019, 2022 and 2023. He was also the starting shortstop on the 1990 state championship team.

4: Alec Marchetto won his fourth state championship in baseball on Saturday. He also won back-to-back titles with Liberty in 2018 and 2019 before these last two seasons with the Edwardsville Tigers.

4: With four RBI in Friday’s state semifinal win over York, Kayden Jennings drove in the most runs by a Tiger in a state tournament game since Matt Evers had five RBI in a 1998 Class AA state quarterfinal game against Oak Park-River Forest.

3: The Edwardsville Tigers won their third state championship at the Class 4A level to join Providence Catholic for the most.

3: With three state championships as a coach, Tim Funkhouser tied Providence Catholic’s Mark Smith, Proviso’s DB Appleton Maine Township’s Al Carstens for most state championships overall. Only Smith and Funkhouser have won their three state championships in Class 4A.

3: Edwardsville’s state championship on Saturday was the third as a coach for Tim Funkhouser. He passed Tom Pile (baseball in 1990 and 1998), Chad Lakatos (boys track and field in 2015 and 2017) and Mark Heiderscheid (boys soccer in 2000 and 2013) for the most state championships as a coach in school history.

2: After winning a state championship with Liberty Middle School, Cole Funkhouser (2018), Montrez West (2018), Caeleb Copeland (2018), Riley Iffrig (2018), Joel Kampwerth (2018) and Lucas Huebner (2019) all won a third state championship. They all played on last year’s state championship team.

2: Cole Funkhouser, Andrew Hendrickson, Kayden Jennings, Joel Kampwerth, Montrez West, Caeleb Copeland, Logan Geggus, Jake Holder, Riley Iffrig, Tyler Powell, Joe Chiarodo, Lucas Huebner and Alec Marchetto all won a second straight state championship with the Edwardsville Tigers.

1: After making five starts in the regular season, Andrew Henrdrickson made his first postseason start in the Class 4A state championship game. He went four-plus innings and allowed four runs on four hits with four strikeouts and four walks.

0: Despite making a state-record 18 state tournament appearances and winning seven state trophies, the Edwardsville Tigers have never finished in third or fourth place at the state tournament.



Written By
Matt Kamp

Plano Reapers

Head Coach: Rick Ponx

Assistant Coaches:

Mike Moderhack, James Ford, John Clarke, Bob Williams,Terrance Mallory,Jim Schmidt,Bobby Miller,


School Nickname/Mascot: Reapers

Conference: Interstate 8

Team Twitter: @coachponx

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/25-Ottawa
9/1-@Manteno
9/8-@Sandwich
9/15-@Lasalle-Peru
9/22-Richmond Burton
9/29-@Johnsburg
10/6-Harvard
10/13-@Rochelle
10/20-Marengo

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Waleed Johnson-RB - 5'7-170 SR
Armando Martinez-QB - 5'10-185 SR
Mario Melendez-OL - 6'1 250 SR
Arik Harrelson-OL - 5'11 200 SR
Nick Serio-WR - 5'7 155 SR
Kaleb Videckis-TE - 6'3 190 SR
Tristan Meszaros-WR

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Adrian Sosa-DL. 5'10 205 SR
Logan Scheich-LB - 5'10 175 SR
Dion Davidson-DL - 6'2 280 SR
Waleed Johnson-DB 5'7 170 SR
Armando Martinez-LB 5'10 185 SR


Newcomers to Watch

Kaiden Schmandle - LB
Amari Bryant - RB/DB
Richie Amakiri - DL/OL

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

7 on 7 @ Kaneland
7 on 7 @ West Aurora
7 on 7 @ Morris
Scrimmage with ACC

Impact Player for Plano:

Plano senior RB/DB Waleed Johnson (5-foot-7, 170 pounds) is a speedy, shifty and talented running back who is also a key contributor in all three phases of the game for Plano.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Plano Reapers:

Plano and head coach Rick Ponx posted a 3-6 record in 2022 as the Reapers played 5 playoff teams in it's 9 game regular season in 2022. Plano under Rick Ponx has posted a 12-21 record entering his fifth season in charge of the Plano football program and hopes to get the Reapers back into the postseason in 2023.

The biggest question facing Plano in 2023? Can the Reapers reload a bit, build up the programs overall number while also charting a very strong regular season schedule again in 2023? Plano has a nice core of returning starters back in 2023, but they will need to reload in some key positions this summer (OL/DL/RB). The schedule is also a challenge and includes the likes of Manteno, Ottawa and LaSalle Peru before even hitting the I8 schedule which includes Richmond Burton, Marengo and Rochelle. I say the Reapers will post a 4-5 season in 2023 and will need to pull off a win or two against some of the power programs on the slate this fall to get to 5-4 sand playoff elgible.

The annual WJOL AM 1340 in Joliet Preseason Coaches Show is tentatively set for Thursday August 17th from 6-9 PM....location TBA soon. It will again be located live on location in the Joliet area and as soon as we confirm the location we will let you know. We draw every varsity head coaches from every WJOL listening area schools and make sure to join us on location.

All heights/weights are either guessimates or found at various other outside sources (Hudl/Max Preps) so if you have any corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com

If you have any changes corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com Looking to get added? Fill out the EDGYTIM.com Top Prospect Survey today.

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A WATCH LIST NOT A RANKINGS LIST!

This is also in no particular order. Also this is a top prospect list NOT a top player list…if you don't know the difference please email me edgytim@edgytim.com

More positions will be added all this week

More names will also be added and this list will be revised often.

Offensive Linemen
Class of 2024



OL Sean Goodrum Simeon 5-foot-11, 330 pounds 2024


OL MJ Hanson Burlington Central 6-foot-4, 290 pounds 2024


OL Brandon Hansen Mundelein 6-foot-6, 290 pounds 2024 (Illinois)


OL Kwan Johnson Blue Island Eisenhower 6-foot-3, 275 pounds 2024


OL Danny Zarco Lyons Township 2024 6-foot-4, 265 pounds 2024


OL Nathen Omolo Jr. ICCP 6-foot-3, 265 pounds 12024


OL Marquez Easley Kankakee 6-foot-7, 310 pounds 2024 (Georgia)


OL Bodey McCaslin St Charles East 6-foot-6, 270 pounds 2024 (Iowa)


OL Josh Janowski Lincoln Way East 6-foot-3, 285 pounds 2024 (Iowa)


OL Christos Alexandros Lockport 6-foot-2, 295 pounds 2024

OL Connor Shelby Mt. Carmel I’ll 6-foot-4 275 pounds 2024


OL William Nolan Hersey 6-foot-6, 260 pounds 2024 (Iowa)


OL Jacob Katauskas Lemont 6-foot-4, 280 pounds 2024 (Coastal Carolina)


OL Erik Timbo DePaul Prep 6-foot-4, 240 pounds 2024


OL Michael Biesbore Marian Catholic 6-foot-3, 285 pounds 2024


OL Tim Savchuk Oswego East 6-foot-4, 285 pounds 2024 (Army)


OL Brett Larson Kaneland 6-foot-3, 260 pounds 2024


OL Kyle Baltazar Loyola Academy 6-foot-3, 270 pounds 2024


OL Jeremiah Young Champaign Centennial 6-foot-6, 315 pounds 2024


OL James Barry Providence Catholic 6-foot-5, 270 pounds 2024


OL Zack Barrett Sandburg 6-foot-3, 270 pounds 2024


OL/DL Jack Anderson Glenbard South 6-foot-4, 260 pounds 2024


OL Erik Timbo DePaul Prep 6-foot-4, 260 pounds 2024


OL Logan Brasfield Yorkville 6-foot-3, 270 pounds 2024 (Coastal Carolina)


OL Rahfeeq Katumbusi Chicago Mount Carmel 6-foot-3, 305 pounds 2024


OL Aiden Taylor East St. Louis 6-foot-3, 290 pounds 2024


OL Alex Poholik Chicago Mount Carmel 6-foot-3, 280 pounds 2024


OL Gustavo Guzman Oswego 6-foot-7, 290 pounds 2024


OL Conor Kenzinger Brother Rice 6-foot-7, 280 pounds 2024


OL Zack Clarke Oswego East 6-foot-6, 255 pounds 2024 (Western Michigan)


OL Brady Barrowman Minooka 6-foot-6, 270 pounds 2024 (Ball State)


OL Gustavo Guzman Oswego 6-foot-7, 284 pounds 2024


OL Grant Ellinger Naperville Central 6-foot-5, 260 pounds 2024 (Virginia)


OL Jack Donovan Wheaton St Francis 6-foot-1, 260 pounds 2024


OL Jace Pankey Iriquois West 6-foot-4, 275 pounds 2024


OL Jackson Nekolny Batavia 6-foot-2, 240 pounds 2024


OL Lane Mahnesmith Troy Triad 6-foot-7, 315 pounds 2024 (NIU)


OL Joshua Manecke Downers Grove South 6-foot-6, 275 pounds 2024 (Army)


OL Kaden Garland OPRF 6-foot-3, 270 pounds 2024


OL Daniel Grein IC Catholic Prep 6-foot-7, 3125 pounds 2024


OL Michael NcLaughlin Peoria Notre Dame 6-foot-4, 270 pounds 2024


OL Joe Kelly Loyola Academy 6-foot-2, 265 pounds 2024


OL Jimmy Donnelly Niles Notre Dame 6-foot-3, 280 pounds 2024



Class of 2025

OL Michael McDonough Andrew 6-foot-3, 270 pounds 2025


OL Andy Mlyniec Lake Community 6-foot-4, 275 pounds 2025


OL Tyler Palmieri Mascoutah 6-foot-3, 245 pounds 2025


OL Nathaniel Olo Mascoutah 6-foot-3, 310 pounds 2025


OL Zion Young Fenwick 6-foot-4, 250 pounds 2025


OL Zayn Schellenger Highland 6-foot-5, 235 pounds 2025


OL Jake Sulzberger Lemont 6-foot-5, 260 pounds 2025


OL Cort Leonard Iroquois West 6-foot-3, 240 pounds 2025


OL Deuce Thornton Peoria 6-foot-3, 260 pounds 2025


OL Victor Nealon Rockford East 6-foot-4, 270 pounds 2025


OL Matt Marek Sandburg 6-foot-4, 280 pounds 2025


OL Jazarari Jackson Hillcrest 6-foot-3, 280 pounds 2025


OL Sam Stec Nazareth Academy 6-foot-2, 260 pounds 2025


OL Chimoabi Oguike Marmion Academy 6-foot-3, 240 pounds 2025


OL Stefan Popov Waubonsie Valley 6-foot-3, 250 pounds 2025


OL Tyler Chambers Lyons Township 6-foot-5, 265 pounds 2025


OL Tommy Lamberti Carmel Catholic 6-foot-8, 330 pounds 2025


OL Dontrall Fort Rockford Jefferson 6-foot-5, 310 pounds 2025


OL Owen Lee Carbondale 6-foot-5, 295 pounds 2025


OL Ben Konopka St Viator 6-foot-2, 270 pounds 2025


OL Dayne Schellenger Greenville 6-foot-6, 290 pounds 2025
OL Zak Stoilov Maine South 6-foot-4, 285 pounds 2025


OL Parker Brault Palatine 6-foot-4, 275 pounds 2025


OL Javy Bey Homewood Flossmoor 6-foot-3, 290 pounds 2025


Class of 2026



OL Jaquaris Green Peoria 6-foot-4, 297 pounds 2026


OL Rico Schneider Marist 6-foot-7, 320 pounds 2026


OL Ty Weiersheuser Marmion Academy 6-foot-6, 290 pounds 2026


OL Hawken Anderson Glenbrook South 6-foot-3, 270 pounds 2026


OL Gene Riordan Hinsdale Central 6-foot-4, 270 pounds 2026


OL Qwe’Maine Spivery Brother Rice 6-foot-1, 310 pounds 2026

Next: Athletes

All heights/weights are either guessimates or found at various other outside sources (Hudl/Max Preps) so if you have any corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com

If you have any changes corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com Looking to get added? Fill out the EDGYTIM.com Top Prospect Survey today.

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A WATCH LIST NOT A RANKINGS LIST!

This is also in no particular order. Also this is a top prospect list NOT a top player list…if you don't know the difference please email me edgytim@edgytim.com

More positions will be added all this week

More names will also be added and this list will be revised often.


Tight Ends

Class of 2024

TE Grant Stec Jacobs 6-foot-6, 220 pounds 2024 (Wisconsin)


TE Jake Furtney St Charles North 6-foot-4, 230 pounds 2024 (Army)


TE Luke Johnson Geneseo 6-foot-3, 260 pounds 2024 (WIU)


TE Christian Betancur Marian Central Catholic 6-foot-5, 230 pounds 2024 (Clemson)


TE Patrick Schaller Glenbrook North 6-foot-6, 210 pounds 2024 (Northwestern)


TE Eric Karner ICCP 6-foot-5, 220 pounds 2024 (Texas A&M)


TE Karsen Konkel Pinckneyville 6-foot-6, 220 pounds (Illinois)


TE Julian Johnson Waubonsie Valley 6-foot-6, 210 pounds 2024 (Minnesota)


TE Pail Hartman III Springfield 6-foot-5, 220 pounds 2024


TE Miles Cremascoli New Trier 6-foot-3, 205 pounds 2024


TE Casey Giemzik Brother Rice 6-foot-3, 220 pounds 2024


TE Aidan Moriarity Oswego East 6-foot-4, 240 pounds 2024 (SIU)


Class of 2025

TE Logan Farrell Hersey 6-foot-3 235 pounds 2025


TE Trey Zvonar Lincoln Way East 6-foot-34, 210 pounds 2025


TE Ryan Mascari Neuqua Valley 6-foot-4, 225 pounds 2025


TE Brady Goken Wheaton South 6-foot-4, 215 pounds 2025


Class of 2026


TE/OT JC Anderson Mt. Zion 6-foot-7, 240 pounds 2026


Next: Wide Receivers

I am a fan and it is only episode 1. Having a big Slim Jim - Jim Beam and Diet Coke in a Yadi Yeti, which was a Busch Stadium give-away.

Hard Knocks will be with the JETS!

All heights/weights are either guessimates or found at various other outside sources (Hudl/Max Preps) so if you have any corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com

If you have any changes corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com Looking to get added? Fill out the EDGYTIM.com Top Prospect Survey today.

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A WATCH LIST NOT A RANKINGS LIST!

This is also in no particular order. Also this is a top prospect list NOT a top player list…if you don't know the difference please email me edgytim@edgytim.com

More positions will be added all this week

More names will also be added and this list will be revised often.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Starting with the Class of 2025 I'm in the process of eliminating the ATHLETE position from a recruiting perspective. I'm going to make a position projection on those kids who in the past would be considered as athlete recruits. It's more of a personal chose for me along with making a better overall evaluatiuon and projection instead of lumping kids into the athlete catagory.

Class of 2024


ATH Tysean Griffin Morgan Park 5-foot-10, 150 pounds 2024 (Illinois)

ATH Lucas Austin Sterling 6-foot-5, 230 pounds 2024

ATH KJ Parker ICCP 5-foot-11, 165 pounds 2024 (Iowa)

ATH Blayne Sisson Mt. Carmel Ill. 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2024 (SIU)

ATH Mako Grant Kenwood 5-foot-11, 185 pounds 2024

ATH/TE Luke Johnsen Geneseo 6-foot-4, 250 pounds 2024 (Western Illinois)

ATH Noah Pfafflin Lyons Township 6-foot-2, 185 pounds 2024

ATH HJ Grigsby Joliet Catholic 6-foot-1 175 pounds 2024

ATH Torey French Carmel Catholic 5-foot-9, 180 pounds 2024

ATH Connor Vanselow Wauconda 6-foot-0, 175 pounds 2024

ATH Carson Grove Hersey 5-foot-11, 170 pounds 2024

ATH Antonio Russell Blue Island Eisenhower 6-foot-0, 170 pounds 2024

ATH Lebarion Gilmour Stagg 5-foot-11, 175 pounds 2024

ATH Joey Partridge Minooka 5-foot-11, 170 pounds 2024

ATH Isaiah Houi Hononegah 5-foot-10, 165 pounds 2024

ATH Jamari West Chicago Hope 5-foot-11, 175 pounds 2024

Joliet West Tigers

Head Coach: Dan Tito

Assistant Coaches:

Pete Nackovic Tony Nichols Mike Evans Lawson Sizemore Nicholas Davis Paul Thomason Eric Carlson Mark Farrell Larry Traylor Robert Elkins Will Rosario Tommy Purcell Robert Ford Angel Sifuentes Anthony Harris Antonio McCoy


School Nickname/Mascot: Tigers

Conference: Southwest Prairie East

Team Twitter: @JTWestFootball

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/25 vs. Shepard
9/1 at Morris
9/8 at Yorkville
9/15 vs. Plainfield North
9/23 vs. Joliet Central
9/29 vs. Plainfield South
10/6 at Romeoville
10/13 vs. Plainfield East
10/20 at Plainfield Central

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Wyatt Schmitt OL 2024
Jayden Jurkowski OL 2024
Parker Schwarting WR 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Jarveion Brown DL 2024
Matt Marchiniak LB 2024
Dylan Pangrazio LB 2024
Cael Karczewski DB 2024

Newcomers to Watch

Ian Farrell WR 2024
LaDainian Tucker RB 2024
Gavin Garcia RB 2024
Juan Rico QB 2024
Micah McNair LB 2025
Nyles Tate OL/DL 2024
Payton Turner WR 2025

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

6/21 Joint Practice with South Elgin
6/22 Lorado Taft Overnight Retreat
6/30 West Aurora 7 on 7
7/12 Joint Practice with West Aurora
7/17-7/20 Youth Camp

Impact Player for Joliet West:

Joliet West senior DL Jarveion Brown is a quick, athletic and twitchy athlete who is a force on the Tigers defensive line. Brown shows his ability to just outquick and beat opposing offensive linemen, has a great motor and is an explosive playmaker. Overall look for Brown to draw more recruiting looks and attention this coming season.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Joliet West Tigers:

Joliet West and Tiger alumn/head coach Dan Tito posted a 4-5 record in his first season leading the Joliet West football program. The Tigers can point towards two games in particular that could have gone the Tigers way and led them to a state playoff berth in losses to Minooka (26-22) and a Week 9 28-26 loss to Plainfield South.

The biggest question facing Joliet West in 2023? Can the Tigers reload especially in the offensive skills and also on the defensive line for the 2023 season? The Joliet West program has had limited success but yopu can'ty help but feel that the program is in good hands under Dan Tito, a younger head coach who brings excitement and a new energy to the school and the football program. The schedule isn't easy at all and includes two tough SWS crossover games in Yorkville and Plainfield North, and I'll say West goes 4-5/3-6 in 2023, but will also have a real shot at getting to say 5-4 with a few breaks along the way.

The Flyers are looking very solid these summer

Edgy, do you feel there will be some more high school football games this fall on Marquee? I thought they did a great job with last year's MC/SR state semifinal. Also, have you heard anything about Marquee having a Friday night show similar to the still-missed High School Lites NBC Sports Chicago? Either would be a welcome development.