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My Evaluation: Fenwick 2026 S Tommy Thies

EdgyTim
Name: Tommy Thies

Position: S

High School: Fenwick

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-0

Weight: 190 pounds

Recruiting Status: Committed to Miami of Ohio. Thies had offers this spring from multiple MAC schools along with offers from other various Group of 5 programs along with other FCS programs as well. Thies also drew interest and attention from a handful of Power 4 programs including Illinois, Northwestern and also Iowa and Iowa State.

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My impressions of Tommy Thies: I have been able to see Tommy Thies a handful of times over the last few seasons and once live in action in 2024 versus Brother Rice. Thies is an impressive kid who also is a strong student in the class room and a high academic student as well as a high level athlete. Thies is simply a very good football player who's game skills and tools could have been a fit at several levels of college football. In many ways while Thies might not have overwhelming eyeball passing on the hoof appeal....his game and especially his on the field demeanor and mentality was top notch along with his overall work ethic. Thies was named as an all conference and defensive MVP in 204 for the Friars.

Evaluation of Tommy Thies In many ways seeing Tommy Thies wind up committed to the Miami of Ohio Redhawks just makes a ton of sense and I feel is a terrific fit for Thies as well as for the Redhawks. Thies is an athletic playmaker who just does a lot of things well here. Thies is an impressive open field tackler who just roams from sideline to sideline and is a heavy hitter making plays. Thies is also equally as strong in pass coverage has a good overall nose for the football and also has an advanced level of knowledge of taking proper angles along with having very good overall feel and instincts in pass coverage. I also love Thies overall spped/pursuit and his closing ability in run support here. Thies also plays with a high football IQ and is simply a very strong football player and athlete here.

Room for improvement? Again I just see a lot to love here in Tommy Thies. Thies as mentioned isn't exactly an overwhelming, eye ball passing 4-5 star kid on the hoof. Thies will need to continue to work on his overall, speed, quickness and also improve his overall fundamentals and technique for the high Division 1 level in college. Again the adjustment from high school to the high college level is a big, big jump in several regards for all high school players...and look for Thies to also need time to make that adjustment.

Projected level: Rivals has Tommy Thies as an unranked recruit in the Class of 2026.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: Again not too sure why Thies has yet to be ranked by Rivals. I like a lot of what Thies has to offer here both on the field and on film and I would rank him now as a mid to high 3 star recruit in the Class of 2026. Thies I feel made a really good selection in Miami of Ohio, a school that plays at a high level, offers a strong education and I can see Thies having longer term success for the Redhawks.
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My Evaluation: Sandburg 2026 ATH Vincent Smith

EdgyTim
Name: Vincent Smith

Position: ATH/S

High School: Sandburg

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 200 pounds

Recruiting Status: Committed to Northern Illinois University. Smith, who drew various looks and attention from several Group of 5 schools including NIU, Toledo, Miami of Ohio, Wyoming along with Power 4 schools in Iowa State and Indiana. Smith was offered ny the NIU Huskies as more of a safety recruit and again Smith has the physical tools and upside to play several various positions at the next level.

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My impressions of Vincent Smith: I have been following Vincent Smith since he was a freshman at Lemont a few years ago. Smith would end up transferring from Lemont to Sandburg and was a key player for the Eagles defense in 2024. Smith again has impressive physical tools and is a no doubt eyeball passing athlete in person. Smith as mentioned is a very versatile player and athlete who can be plugged into a half dozen positions when needed and can be a very productive player at multiple spots. I've been able to watch Smith a handful of times at various events and showcase camps and he is always a standout who just seems to be physically mature beyond his years.

Evaluation of Vincent Smith: Vincent Smith has a lot to offer and also is still a player and recruit who also has a ton of learning and development ahead of him, which makes him an exciting name to watch on a few different levels. Smith played mainly cornerback in 2024 for the Sandburg Eagles but physically looks and plays like a much bigger kid who could easily develop into say a strong safety/outside linebacker at the college level. Smith has very good overall speed and quickness, shows some quick twitch abilities and again has a really nice combination of sixe, speed and quickness along with also having a very strong football IQ and overall awareness. Smith in many ways was a bit overlooked early on in his recruiting process and he is a great example of how a program like NIU has been able to lock up some really intriguing kids over the past handful of seasons. NIU finds kids who they like and they recruit and kids who fit their system....and the Huskies have a pretty hood track record of developing in state under the radar names into regular contributors for the Huskies and head coach Thomas Hammock. I have a feeling more than a few Power 4 nearby schools will attempt to sneak Vincent Smith away from his NIU pledge especially once his 2025 season video lands. Smith again has the combination of physical tools and upside that will be highly attractive to other programs down the line.

Room for improvement? Vincent Smith has a ton of upside, but in many ways he still has a ton of work to do before hititng the college level. Smith at times seems to lean on his sheer physical tools to at times dominate at the high school level against high school kids. Smith will need to keep working on and improving his overall speed. quickness and strength along with improving his overall fundamentals and technique. Again this is nothing out of the ordinary for any high school level including Vincent Smith.

Projected level: Rivals has Vincent Smith as an unranked recruit in the Class of 2026.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: Vincent Smith in many ways is a sleeper name to watch and a kid who will see his overall recruiting stock rise this spring and summer along with his overall star ranking. I would rank Vincent Smith as a low to mid 3 star recruit and someone who I feel will have a legitimate chance to raise his overall stock and profile this summer and fall. Smith has some real upside and potential and can become a name who could become a real steal for NIU or whatever school he ends up with down the line. Needless to say I like the overall potential of Vincent Smith a ton here.
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My Evaluation: 2026 DT King Liggins Chicago Brother Rice

EdgyTim
Name: King Liggins

Position: DT

High School: Chicago Brother Rice

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 270 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted. Liggins is already holding multiplier Power 4 offers this winter and has official visits set to Wisconsin, Virginia, Purdue, Indiana and Kansas State. I get the feeling Wisconsin is the leader here for Liggins.

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My impressions of King Liggins: I have been able to see King Liggins live a handful of times in game action along at various showcase events. Liggins in 2024 was one odf the team leaders for the Crusaders and part of an impressive young DL on a team and a program that also had a ton of talented underclassmen. Liggins in 2024 was named as an all conference and all area performer for the Crusaders. Liggins will also be a 3 year varsity starter for Brother Rice in 2025 and will again be a team leader this off season. Liggins has been able to add quite a bit of good weight and strength since the off season and he possesses a ton of upside and potential to develop into a high level Power 4 names to watch.

Evaluation of King Liggins: King Liggins has quite a bit of upside along with possessing very impressive physical tools and he's developed into a big time name to watch in the Class of 2026. Liggins. going back to earlier in his high school career has always had very good feet, quickness and explosiveness. Liggins at times can just flat out beat opposing linemen with both his sheer speed and first few steps. Liggins has also developed a much better and deeper bag of pass rush moves and technique and look for his overall game to continue to rise in my opinion. Liggins has a ton of power and strength and he also has well above hand usage and technique and is equally effective in pass rush alkong with stopping the run. Liggins also has a non stop motor, can and will go sideline to sideline to make a tackle and he also runs really well for a bigger kid. Liggins at this stage of his high school career is very capable to taking on double teams and more often than not ;last season was double teamed more often than not.

Room for improvement? King Liggins will still need to keep working hard in the weight room and add more muscle and strength while also maintaining his overall speed and quickness along with his him impressive first few steps and overall explosiveness. Liggins, like every other high school recruit will also need to adjust and prepare for the Power 4 level where the overall speed of the game long with the physicality will no question challenge Liggins early on in his college career.

Projected level: Rivals has King Liggins ranked as a mid 3 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #43rd top defensive tackle recruit in the nation.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: King Liggins is another name I feel should het a harder look at sooner rather than later. Liggins has very good and consistent tape, has made some serious strides in his game including adding some additional strength and power. Liggins I feel will continue to get better, bigger and stronger and his overall game and down the line development could have him becoming a steady regular at the Power 4 level in my opinion. I would rank King Liggins right now as a high 3 star while getting another look at him say mid season in 2025.
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My Evaluation: 2026 Morgan Park WR Nasir Rankin

EdgyTim
Name: Nasir Rankin

Position: WR

High School: Chicago Morgan Park

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 170 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted. Rankin is holding Power 4 offers from the likes of Illinois, Michigan, Duke, Ole Miss, Oregon, USC and multiple Big Ten offers. Rankin has said that Oregon is his dream school but he has made multiple visits to Illinois and I feel the Fighting Illini for now seem to be the team to beat for Rankin at least for now.

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My impressions of Nasir Rankin: Nasir Rankin has been on several recruiting radar screens since he was a freshman playing varsity at Whitney Young playing both football and basketball. Rankin, whoi transferred from Whitney Young to Morgan Park after his sophomore year of high school is a high level student and athlete who was easily the top impact player for the Mustangs in 2024. I was able to see Rankin play live twice in 2024 and his speed, quick twitch ability and field vision really stood out to me in person for Rankin. Rankin has quickly moved up the recruiting rankings after his impressive 2024 season for the Mustangs. Rankin was an all comnference and all state player in 2024 and was also named to the US Navy All American Game in early 2025. Rankin is also still playing basketball at Morgan Park and had a very stronf 2024/2025 season and Rankin is drawing major level offers for both football and basketball.

Evaluation of Nasir Rankin Nasir Rankin is an exceptional quick, speedy and high twitch athlete who just seems to make big plays every time he touches the football in 2024. Rankin, who also plays basketball at Morgan Park has those basketball skills and quickness on the football field and he is just a very difficult kid to cover by any defensive back at the high school level. Rankin again has high level speed and explosiveness, uses his hands really well and just seems to catch anything and everything in hius area code. Rankin also has a bag full of routes and his ability to break off his route, find open field and once he makes the catch his ability to break open a big play on literally every touch is highly impressive. Rankin from a development standpoint still has room to grow and get better and his overall ceiling is extremely high in my opinion.

Room for improvement? Nasir Rankin is still too thin for my liking and he will need to continue to add more good weight and strength via the weight room and the training table. Rankin still is a work in progress especially when it comes to route running, blocking and just improving his overall knowledge level and skill set as a receiver. Rankin will no question need to adjust and learn going against grown men at the Power 4 level and adjusting to the sheer strength and speed at the Power 4 level is going to take some time.

Projected level: Rivals has Nasir Rankin ranked as a mid 4 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #15 top receiver recruit in the nation.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: Nasir Rankin I feel is a bit under ranked for now in my opinion. Rankin has elite level physical tools and speed and in many ways he's just starting to scratch the surface of just how good he can be down the line. Rankin will keep getting bigger and stronger over the next few years and his upsdie is just too hard to ignore. I would rank Nasir Rankin as a high 4 star recruit and a Top 100-150 nationally ranked recruit.
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My Evaluation: 2027 OT Cameron Wagner St. Joseph Ogden

EdgyTim
Name: Cameron Wagner

Position: OT

High School: St. Joseph Ogden

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 6-foot-6

Weight: 300 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted. Wagner has already added offers from across the country this winter including multiple Power 4 offers. Wagner is planning a very busy spring visit season and he has made multiple unofficial visits already to both Illinois and Iowa. In my opiniin it's a coin flip right now between the Fighting Illini and the Hawkeyes for Wagner's services....but that's strictly a guess on my part.

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My impressions of Cameron Wagner: Cameron Wagner has been on my recruiting radar screen since the end of his freshman season at St. Joseph Ogden. Wagner who started for the Spartans in freshman football to start the 2023 season ended up mid season as a varsity starter. Wagner started to pick up recruiting interest and attention after his 2023 freshman season and added his first scholarship offer from Louisville in the winter of 2024. Wagner who also wrestled this winter for St Joseph Ogden for the first time has continued to make big strides in the weight room as well as in the training room. Wagner has incredible size and physical tools that no question will allow him to continue to develop his game from here on out.

Evaluation of Cameron Wagner Cameron Wagner is no question one of the top linemen to watch both regionally and nationally in the State of Illinois Class of 2027...a class that is quickly starting to develop in to a big time class loaded with multiple nation level names...and Wagner no question is in that team picture. Wagner has eyeball passing frame, height, length and reach and add in a kid who also has an impressive work ethic and fire and it's easy to see why so many schools are already on board. Wagner this winter. Wagner on film plays with a high motor and effort on literally every snap, seems pretty comfortable getting to the second level of blocks and is an impressive finisher. Wagner is also much improved in his pass pro and this will be a part of his continued development at the high school level over the next two seasons. Wagner, who is also a very strong student in the class room is also a very well mannered kid to talk to and someone who n o question has a pretty good idea of where he wants to be over the next handful of seasons. Again the biggest appeal in my opinion for Wagner is his advnced physial tools, along with still being just a sophomore in high school with two years of high school still ahead of him. I truly can't want to see his overall growth and development over the next two years here.

Room for improvement? The same areas of improvement for Cameron Wagner pretty much fgoes fror every high school linemen regardless of ranking. Wagner will need to continue to work on his overall bend, flexibility footwork and pass pro technique. Wagner plays in a pretty run heavy offense and was very seldom matched up against anyone remotely close to his size at the high school level and that allowed him to pretty much physically overwhelm his opponent. Wagner will need to work hard in the off season and in various camps against bigger, stronger opponents and start to prepare to face off against bigger, stronger and older opposing defensive linemen. Adjusting to taking on college aged linemen at the Power 4 level is no walk in the park and the more preperation Wagner can get in the better for him now and down the line.

Projected level: Rivals has Cameron Wagner ranked as a mid 4 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #154 top recruit in the nation.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: Again when you get initially ranked as a mid 4 start and inside the Top 250 nationally....it's pretty hard to argue against Wagner's ranking. I'm very excited for Cameron Wagner over the next few seasons at the high school level along with his development on the college level. Wagner has all the physical tools and potential to become a monster on my opinion. Wagner is a great kid on and off the field, has smarts and is just a well mannered kid with a tremendous family/support system. With some luck and a few breaks here and there....I can see Wagner taking things to a very, very high level.
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My Evaluation: 2026 Mt. Zion TE JC Anderson

EdgyTim
Name: JC Anderson

Position: TE

High School: Mt. Zion

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-7

Weight: 235 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted. Anderson is holding multiple Power 4 scholarship offers and is being sought after on a national basis. Anderson recently announced he will make official visits to Illinois, North Carolina, Auburn and Notre Dme this spring with a decision expected after he takes his visits. Illinois seems to be the leader for in-state JC Anderson and landing Anderson would be a huge in state boost to the already strong Fighting Illini efforts so far in the Class of 2026.

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My impressions of JC Anderson: I was able to see JC Anderson live at various summer team 7on7 events along with a few different showcase events. Anderson, who is also an impressive multi-sport athlete including being an All State basketball player for downstate Mt. Zion has been an impact player for the Braves football program over the past few seasons. Anderson checks in at 6-foot-7, 235 pounds and Anderson plays with impressive body control and he's truly a high level athlete at the tight end position. Anderson also played defensive end full time last fall for the Braves and expect him to again be a factor on both sides of the football for his 2025 senior season. Anderson in 2024 was named as an All State All Area and All Conference performer in both football and basketball and Anderson was a key leader for the Braves who made it to the Class 4A state title game and lost to DePaul Prep 40-6 to finish the season at 10-4. Anderson is a very strong personality on and off the field who is easily one of my more favorite kids to talk to in this class. Anderson is well spoken and very well mannered kid mature beyond his years and at times already sounds like he'a playing at the Power 4 level when it comes to dealing with various media. Anderson on and off the field is a pleasure to work with over the past few seasons. Anerson's recruiting process really took off ab out a year ago from today....when he was able to add 5 Power 4 offers in a two day period and his stock has never slowed down since that point of his process.

Evaluation of JC Anderson: JC Anderson is one of those rare kids you'll seldom see on the recruiting trail every year.....basically because the combination of his physical tools, skill set, athletic skills and ability are very high and remain as in demand as ever. Anderson is listed at 6-foot-7, 235 pounds and his overall length and reach along with his ball skills, football IQ and sheer ability to just catch the football consistently well along with making things happen after the catch is simply uncanny. Anderson has slowly added more good weight and strength and his frame will no question allow him to get much bigger and stronger once he's locked into training and playing in just one sport. Anderson is a very solid overall pass catching tight end and a willing blocker, and his unselfishness when it comes to playing on defense for his team is noted. Anderson really stands out when he's able to get downfield against a defender and into 50/50 jump ball situations when his overall length reach and want to will make it incredibly tough on any opposing defender. He also runs well for such a big kid and has better downfield speed and gears than you might expect.

Room for improvement? JC Anderson has a ton to offer but like every high school player has room to grow and things to improve. Anderson, who in many ways has been a non stop multi sport athlete in high school will need to add more good weight and strength for the Power 4 level while also being able to maintain his speed and quickness/explosiveness. Anderson, much like everyone else will need to make the adjustment from 4A sized Mt. Zion to playing against grown ass men at the Power 4 level, especially the speed and soul crushing hits he will take on a consistent basis.

Projected level: Rivals has JC Anderson ranked as a high 4 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #118th top recruit in the Nation in the Rivals Class of 2026 recruit rankings.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: Illinois has been blessed this season with having some truly national level recruits and that definitely includes Mt. Zion TE JC Anderson. Anderson has a ton of upside and I'm also excited to see how well he can develop his game at the Power 4 level over the next few years. I can see Anderson becoming a big time name at the Power 4 level and in my mind it will just depends on a question of how long will his adjustment period takes. I see Anderson Rivals ranking and it's pretty hard to argue against where he's at for now.
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My Evaluation: 2026 Mount Carmel EDGE Braeden Jones

EdgyTim
Name: Braeden Jones

Position: EDGE

High School: Chicago Mount Carmel

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 250 pounds

Recruiting Status: Committed to USC. Jones has been committed to the USC Trojans since October of 2024 and chose the Trojans over offers from over literally every Power 4 program in the nation. Jones very quietly made a game day visit to USC and came home the next day and committed to the Trojans.

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My impressions of Braden Jones: Braeden Jones first hit my recruiting radar screen during the summer of his freshman season when I saw hin live at a handful of camp and showcase events. Looking at Jones on the hoof as a freshman was in many ways like looking at a puppy.....Jones had big levers (arms and legs) with exceptional length and reach while also possessing a frame that was going to add much more needed weight and strength. Jones did not start on the Caravan varsity as a freshman but did see considerable playing time and a ton of reps that freshman season. Jones became a full time starter as a sophomore and has never looked back since that point. Jones was able to continue to add good weight and strength over the next few years led by the Caravan strength program and coach Joe Kubit. Jones really saw his recruiting stock take off early during his sophomore season when Akron was his first scholarship offer and then he was on literally everopnes recruiting radar screen by the end of his sophomore season. Jones is a very strong student in the class room and also a very outgoing, well spoken young man who I've been able to interview multiple times.

Evaluation of Braeden Jones: Braeden Jones in many ways has just about everything you look for in an elite level defensive linemen at the highest level of college football recruiting. Jones has all the physical tools including great length and reach, very good overall speed with some quick twitch combined with surprising closing speed and brute strength. Jones comes off the edge hard and has improved his overall pass rushing tools and technique considerably each season. Jones also has a great nose for the football, can and will play the run exceptionally well and his ability to make plays inside with his combination of muscle and quick feet/hands is highly impressive. Jones is truly one of those defensive linemen who can make plays either in a phone booth or from one sideline to the other on literally every down. Jones was paid the ultimate compliment in 2024 as more and more opposing offenses started to truly run away from his side of the field which became more and more evident with film study this winter. The best part of Jones game is he still has room to add a bit more good weight and strength, along with improving his overall technique, fundamentals and is also very capable of raising his game a few more levels in my opinion.


Room for improvement? Braeden Jones has a ton of upside for sure, but like every high school player he still has work to do. Jones has no question taken his game higher and higher each season...but can he become an even more dominant player down in and down out? I say he can and improving his overall pass rush technique, add a few more pass rush moves and continue to get bigger/stronger and faster....and I truly look forward to seeing Jones as a senior in 2025

Projected level: Rivals has Braeden Jones ranked as a high 4 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #99th top recruit in the Nation in the Rivals Class of 2026 recruit rankings.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: It's pretty hard to argue with any kid that get's ranked as a high 4 star from the State of Illinois by Rivals...especially in a state that doesn't exactly get huge national props in many regards to rankings of Illinois kids on a national level over the many years. Jones no doubt has a ton to offer and I feel he is one of those few rare kids who if things go well for him at the next level could have an opportunity to pursue playing on Sundays in my opinion...and that's something I do NOT throw around lightly.
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My Evaluation: 2026 Olney East Richland OT Casey Thomann

EdgyTim
Name: Casey Thomann

Position: OT

High School: Olney East Richland

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-7

Weight: 280 pounds

Recruiting Status: Committed to Illinois. Thomann was a pretty heavy lean to Illinois from very early on in his recruiting process. Thomann also had offers from the likes of Iowa, Eastern Michigan plus Nebraska and Northwestern.

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My impressions of Casey Thomann: Casey Thomann has been on my recruiting radar since his freshman year when a handful of coaches around the Little Illini conference began tipping me off about a enormous kid playing for East Richland as a sophomore. Thomann has been a dominant player for the Tigers and also a multiple sport athlete as well. Thomann no question was a key player in helping the Tigers go from a 0-9 record in 2023 to a 10-1 record last season and a state playoff appearance and Round 1 win in Class 4A. Thomann overall physical tools and upsdie for development no question are big keys here and Illinois will need to have a bit of patience with Thomann early on, but I can see this kid also having a shot at making some noise down the line while at Illinois.


Evaluation of Casey Thomann: Casey Thomann is every bit 6-foot-7 and 280 plus pounds and his raw physical and God given ability will allow him to develop and become a much different and a much more effective player at the Big Ten level in a year or two. Thomann has generally just steamrolled smaller opponents in his high school career and his sheer size and strength has allowed him to just dominate anyone lined up against hm the past few seasons. Thomann has been operating in a run heavy offense and his learning curve will also include having to really focus hard on his overall, pass pro technique along with just raising his overall game and intensity level for the Power 4 level. Thomann is in many ways a bit of a project in my opinion...yet his overall physical tools, strong work ethic and his "want to" is high and will serve him well over the next year plus as he gets ready for college football. It won't come easy for Thomann or really any high school linemen to be fully prepareed for college football out of high school....and the sooner Thomann can shorten that learning curve the better for Thomann and the Fighting Illini.


Room for improvement? Again the learning curve here will be very high on several levels for Thomann most importantly getting adjusted to and ready for the sheer level of power, speed and physicality of Power 4 football. Thomann again is a smaller school level player who has seen limited competition (again nothing you can control) especially going against kids of similar size and skill set. Thomann will need to also work on and improve his overall fundamentals and technique both in the run game as well and most importantly in pass pro.

Projected level: Rivals has Casey Thomann ranked as a mid 3 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #11th top recruit in the State of Illinois Class of 2026 recruit rankings.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: I pretty much agreee with the Rivals ranking here taking in to account everything. Yes....Casey Thomann will be a bit of a project early on and he will have a ton of work to do....yet he also has a chance to develop into a really strong player and someone who could benefit from the Illinois staff especially head coach Bret Bielema another small school kid back in the day who found a way to make it in the Big 10. Illinois continues to pile up wins on the recruiting trail and this is yet another important get for the Illinoi in my opinion.
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My Evaluation: 2026 Hinsdale Central OL Gene Riordan

EdgyTim
Name: Gene Riordan

Position: OT

High School: Hinsdale Central

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 280 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted. Gene Riordan is holding multiple Power 4 offers this winter from the likes of Illinois, Auburn, Boston College, Iowa, Northwestern, Oklahoma and strong interest from Notre Dame, Michigan and Wisconsin. Riordan has made multiple unofficial visits so far to Illinois, Iowa and Northwestern and plans to visit those three schools this spring along with Oklahoma and Minnesota.

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My impressions of Gene Riordan: Gene Riordan caught my attention last summer at various team camp events along with some team linemen challenges and also some one day camps. Riordan really stood out this past summer with showing impressive athletic ability in a bigger kid along with a very good motor, a kid who was able to learn and make quick adjustments and who also had a ton of physical development ahead of him. Riordan, who is also a very strong student in the class room was named as an all conference player in 2024 along with being an all area player as well for the Red Devils. Riordan has also seen his recruiting stock soar this past winter and has landed several offers over the December and January open recruiting period.


Evaluation of Gene Riordan: Gene Riordan has highly impressive video and one of the biggest draws to him is his overall physical upside and down the line development. Riordan measures in at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds and has the frame and length to add much more good weight and strength down the line in the next few seasons. Riordan looks to be pretty comfortable in his stance and is also a very fluid runner with good overall speed, bend and first few steps. Riordan also can pull and get out is a hurry and his overall feet and quickness no question will allow him also draw serious looks as a guard at the high Power 4 level. Riordan is also well schooled, is just technically sound linemen in either the run game or in pass pro and his ability to keep his legs under him and uses his power from his legs along with also having advance hand usage is yet another plus. Riordan also offers some versatility for whatever school lands him and I feel his overall value is greatly improved because of his overall skill level and his ability to adjust and play effectively at any spot on the offensive lines.


Room for improvement? Gene Riordan no question still has work to do in the weight room adding more good strength and weight. Riordan again has the frame and the length to get to say 300 pounds pretty easily and he can also carry that weight as well. Also like every other high school linemen. Riordan will need to prepare and get ready to square off against grown ass men at the Power 4 level. I'm also looking to see Riordan really take his game to a higher level in 2025 and become a truly dominant linemen at the high school level. Riordan last season showed some flashes of better things to come and he should be ready to truly have a dominant All State caliber season in 2025.

Projected level: Rivals has Gene Riordan ranked as a mid 3 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #14th top recruit in the State of Illinois Class of 2026 recruit rankings.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: I really get the feeling that Gene Riordan is a bit under valued at this stage when it comes to his Rivals ranking and has a real chance to raise his overall stock considerably in 2025. Riordan's overall game and skill set is high and his versatility along with his physical tools and skills will allow him to become a much improved recruit. I feel Riordan has a chance to become a high 3 star/low 4 star ranked player in the Class of 2026. I'm very excited to see his development next season and beyond,
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LB3 to the League - 2Nd Fastest Flyer at Combine 2025

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Mel Kiper Jr. has him at 19. I am not sure he is a first-rounder. Underwhelming junior year. Honestly, he did not explode off the ball when his number was not called, and was not a good blocker. Those things matter. I'd be curious what his 40 time will be at the combine. He will skip the bowl season to concentrate on that.

Good luck young man!
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My Evaluation: 2026 Wheaton St Francis WR Zachary Washington

EdgyTim
Name: Zachary Washington

Position: WR

High School: Wheaton St Francis

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 180 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted. Washington is holding multiple Power 4 offers from the likes of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas State, Miami Fla. Michigan State, Missouri. Ole Miss and several others. My guess is it will most likely come down to either Illinois or Wisconsin for Washington.

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My impressions of Zachary Washington: It seems like I've been watching Zachary Washington playing on a football field since he was in grade school, and in many ways I have. Washington is simply the football version of a basketball gym rat...which is a kid who works non stop, takes part in as many camps, showcase events and 7on7's as humanly possible. Washington in his 2024 junior season was caught 16 TDs 1450 Total Yards, and was named as a 1st Team IHSFCA All-State team, 1st Team Red Grange All-County, 1st Team CCL All-Conference along with being named as an honorable mention Gazette News All-State team. Washington has also been a varsity starter for the Spartans since his sophomore season and also a key weapon and target in the St Francis spread passing offense. Washington is also a very strong student in the class room along with having a very outgoing and personable personality on and off the field. Look for Washington to add a bit more good weight and strength over the next year plus and from a physical development standpoint he still has a bit of upside ahead of him in my opinion. The bottom line is Washington has a lot to offer and like both on and off the field.


Evaluation of Zachary Washington: Zachary Washington is an impressive receiver who has improved his overall game every year I've been following him. Washington plays with really good speed, has a bit of quick twitch along with very good hands. Washington is a fluid route runner who sells his routes well, is disciplined in his route running and is just fundamentally a very strong overall receiver. Washington has logged in a ton of work and reps and he no question is very polished as a receiver and player. Washington over the last few years as improved playing against and beating press man coverage and his ability to go get the football in jump ball situations is impressive. Washington has very good length and hops and more often than not he wins those all important 50/50 footballs. I can see Washington develop into a steady every down receiver at say the Big 10 level and has the tools and ability to become a regular in a year or two.


Room for improvement? Zachary Washington like every other high school player will no question need to adjust to playing at the Power 4 level and playing against grown men defending him down in and down out. Just the sheer level of physicality and strength at the Power 4 level of the opposing defensive backs can at times be eye opening....yet I feel Washington's work load, experience and consistently competing against elite level defenders over the last few seasons will help in that adjustment. Also I'm not sure if Washington is already maxed out physically from a down the line development standpoint... so in some ways he should be considered more of what you see is what you get in my opinion.

Projected level: Rivals has Zachary Washington ranked as a mid 3 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #11th top recruit in the State of Illinois Class of 2026 recruit rankings.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: Zachary Washington is simply a steady, very impressive receiver who just comes to work everyday and get after it. Washington has very strong overall work ethic and is someone who just seems hell bent on getting better and better each day. Washington in the bigger picture just does a lot of things well here and I can easily see him carry that approach and mentality forward to the high college level. I like Washington here as mid to high 3 star ranking and one of the top receivers in the State of Illinois in the Class of 2026.
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My Evaluation: 2027 Libertyville TE Brock Williams

EdgyTim
Name: Brock Williams

Position: TE

High School: Libertyville

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 210 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted. Williams is already holding multiple offers from multiple Power 4 program in the nation.

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My impressions of Brock Williams: I was able to see Libertyville 2027 WR/TE Brock Williams live in game last season in a back and forth win over Warren Township ;late in the regular season. Williams was part of a stacked Wildcats offensive skills group in 2024 which also included senior QB Quinn Shambow (Oklahoma State baseball) and then junior WR Blaise LaVista who has since transferred to Lincoln Way East for the 2025 season. Williams was an instant eyeball passing athlete who has an impressive combination of height, size and length and Williams possesses a frame that will no question allow him to add much more good weight and strength over the next few seasons. Williams, who is a very strong student in the class room is a smart and well spoken kid on and off the field and a multi-sport athlete as well. Willians has really seen his recruiting stock take off this winter, especially in a very busy month of January which has seen him add multiple Power 4 offers. Look for Williams to also have plenty of opportunities to benefit from NIL at the Power 4 level playing a high in demand position along with having the overall physical tools and impressive upside from an overall developmental standpoint.

Evaluation of Brock Williams Brock Williams is also is one of the nation's top ranked tight ends in the Class of 2027 and his overall recruiting stock has just skyrocketed since the fall. Williams in many ways could easily play receiver and has the overall speed, hands and length to easily slide out wide at receiver, go more into the slot as more of a West Coast tight end and/or can also play as an additional linemen in the run game at the Power 4 level. Williams has very good speed and quickness, runs disciplined routes and his hand strength, ability to win jump balls in heavy traffic is at a very high level for the high school level. Williams again will be a much different looking player in a year or two.....he's already added a solid 10-15 pounds of muscle since last season along with his continued training will just allow him to take his game to a much higher level. What I feel separates Williams from many others at the tight end position and what makes him an elite level name you ask? Williams already impressive size, length and speed/twitch are all something you just don't see very often at the tight end position...then combine his receiver skills and bal skills and overall on the field awareness...and that skill set is no question very unique.

Room for improvement? Brock Williams will no question need to adjust to the college game including getting matched up against grown men down in and down out. He will also need to improve his overall technique and overall receiver fundamentals and be able to beat both faster and stronger defenders at both linebacker and defensive back. Williams will also need to work on his overall blocking and become much more physical both in run blocking along with just being able to match his level of physicality overall at the Power 4 level.

Projected level: Rivals has Brock Williams ranked as a high 4 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2027 along with being the #27 ranked recruit in the nation in the Class of 2027 per Rivals. Williams is also the nation's #2 ranked tight end nationally according to Rivals rankings.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: After seeing Brock Williams last fall I had pretty much zero question that he would become both high ranked in state along with in the Midwest as well as Nationally. Williams has all the tools to develop over the next 3-4 years into a monster and will be yet another in a long line of some very strong tight ends out of the State of Illinois. Again Williams overall size, physical tools and especially his potential growth and upside/development is simply ridiculous to be honest. William will have a very good shot at eventually being a5 star name here in my opinion.
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My Evaluation: 2026 Dunlap Tight End Mack Sutter

EdgyTim
Name: Mack Sutter

Position: TE

High School: Dunlap

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 6-foot-6

Weight: 225 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted holding offer from literally every Power 4 program in the nation. Has named a Top 5 schools list Illinois/Ole Miss/Ohio State/Penn State and Alabama

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My impressions of Mack Sutter: I've been able to watch Mack Sutter live numerous times including live in action in his sophomore season for Dunlap when they played at Blue Island Eisenhower in the 2023 IHSA state playofff (A Dunlap OT loss). I was able to first stumble across Mack Sutter at a team 7on7the summer before his sophomore season and he immediately caught my attention on the hood. Sutter was actually playing quarterback and linebacker for the Eagles at that 7on7 event as well as during his 2023 season and was a very solid quarterback for Dunlap. Sutter, who's father Ed played linebacker at Northwestern along with several stops in the NFL no question plays like a coaches son and has an advanced football IQ along with just possessing both a great personality who does a tremendous job in handling press/interviews for such a younger kid. Sutter is well mature beyond his years and is also a multi-sport athlete as well. Sutter is also a high academic athlete in the class room who will also have the opportunity to cash in on NIL....in short he's a kid you feel good about in your college football program.

Evaluation of Mack Sutter: Sutter is one of the nation's top ranked tight ends in the Class of 2026 and has been on recruiting radar screens after his freshman season at Dunlap. Sutter has added a considerable amount of good weight and strength since his sophomore season and he possesses the frame and build to add additional weight and strength over the next year plus. Sutter has a high level of physical tools including impressive hands, very good speed along with having the ability to shed an initial tackle and gain positiver yards after the catch on a consistent basis. Sutter's junior season video is strong and shows his overall ability and versatility, whether Sutter is placed outside as a receiver, playing on the line with a hand on the ground and blocking or really playing anywhere on the field....Sutter just is a naturally gifted athlete who can do a lot for any team. Sutter also is a high level receiver who goes out and attacks the football and shows to have very strong hands, especially in one on one/jump ball scenarios. Sutter will fight and scrap for any and all passes in his area code and the poor kid covering him at the high school level has very little shot here.

Room for improvement? Sutter will no question need to adjust playing football in Central Illinois to the highest level of football, and that same adjustment goes for really any and all kids moving from the high school level to the Power 4 level. Sutter will need to add additional size and strength, will need to fight off jams against 4 and 5 star linebackers and defensive backs while also finding a way to get open and then take punishment after the catch. At times we take this next step for granted....but unfortunately I can go over the years when "can't miss" kids missed...and in more cases than not it came down to being able to adjust to the speed and physicality of the big stage. Do I see that for Mack Sutter? No, I really do not but again if you want sunshine and roses....go elsewhere.

Projected level: Rivals has Mack Sutter ranked as a high 4 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 along with being the #101 ranked recruit in the nation in the Class of 2026 per Rivals. Sutter, along with Mt. Zion TE JC Anderson are both nationally ranked Rivals Top 250 names.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: I've felt that Mack Sutter has been the state's Top tight end in the Class of 2026 for some time now and that's no knock to JC Anderson who is right on his heels. I feel Mack Sutter in some ways reminds meof former Highland High/Iowa and NFL tight end Sam LaPorta who I also covered and evaluated extensively while he was in high school. Sutter has been able to take full advantage of his numerous positives in his overall game along with his continued hard work and development. Again projecting any kid to reach the ultimate highest level of football ois very difficult and I won't here either...let's just say I would not be surprised to see Mack Sutter have a very long and also a very successful career at the next level and also the level after next. I feel pretty good about that possibility.
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My Evaluation: 2027 Maine South QB Jameson Purcell

EdgyTim
Name: Jameson Purcell

Position: QB

High School: Maine South

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 195 pounds

Recruiting Status: Uncommitted is currently holding several Power 4 offers

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My impressions of Jameson Purcell: I've been able to watch the development of Jameson Purcell for some time now.....having him take part in my various camps as a grade school kid throwing with the older high schools kids. Purcell has been a name on the rise waiting to break out over the last few seasons and his time is finally here. Purcell has spent time and paid dues on the lower levels for the Hawks and Hall of Fame HC Dave Inserra as a freshman and was also the Hawks backup varsity quarterback to start the 2024 season. Purcell took over the Hawks starting quarterback position in mid season and basically never looked back. Purcell who is also a very strong student in the class room is a confident kid and player who just carries himself well on and off the field, rolls with a bit of a swagger while also not crossing the line between having self confidence and cocky. I've seen Purcell live numerous times both in live game action along with camp setting and I feel very comfortable in evaluating him here. Purcell also is another young man I truly enjoy talking to who has very good overall communication skills...a lost art if you will when it comes to this current generation in my opinion.


Evaluation of Jameson Purcell: Jameson Purcell is yet another Top level name in what has been a truly stacked State of Illinois Quarterback classes in 2026 and 2027. Purcell again has a ton of upside starting with his overall arm talent, fundamentals and his ability to make consistently strong throws pretty much anywhere all over the field. Purcell's touch especially his medium and deep ball is uncanny. Purcell I feel is a bit more of a pocket quarterback...but as able to show that he can and will run effectively with the football and has the ability to develop into a dual threat down the line (I expect his overall confidence level to soar in 2025 and I would not be surprised to see his running game take off). One of the real strengths in Purcells overall game is his ability to scan the field, check off on multiple targets amd make a quick and accurate decision. Purcell's patience in the pocket is also pretty rare for a high school quarterback and I'm also impressed how his eyes are always downfield while also having that sixth sense in feeling pressure and finding a way to escape that pressure.

Room for improvement? Purcell like pretty much every quarterback here will need to continue to develop hi gamer including working on his overall mechanics and fundamentals. Purcell as mentioned above can improve his running portion of his game and become a bit more of a threat on the run.....but again like a handful of other top tier signal callers here I don't see a ton of negatives here at all.

Projected level: Rivals has Jameson Purcell ranked as a high 4 star ranked recruit in the Class of 2027 along with being the #90 ranked recruit in the nation in the Class of 2027 per Rivals. Illinois will look to have a handful of nationally sought after quarterbacks in Purcell and Trae Taylor in the 2027 class (more on Trae Taylor coming soon) and again enjoy this overall quarterback renaissance we are seeing in these last two recruiting clsses in Illinois.

EDGYTIM Recommended Initial Rankings: No question in my mind that Jameson Purcell has the3 ovwerall tools, ability and makeup to develop into an elite level college quarterback over the next few seasons. Purcell was just simply fun to watch develop last season and he will continue to take his game up several m ore levels. I would also rank Jameson Purcell as a high 4 star recruit who I also feel has a legitimate chance at becoming s Top 10 quarterback nationally in the Class of 2027.
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