Lake County: 10 Names You May Not Know, But Should

Per usual, this county and it’s players are continuously overlooked. Don’t get me wrong, players from the LC like [player_tooltip player_id="20318" first="Malachi" last="McNeal"], The Kaliakmanis brothers, [player_tooltip player_id="20227" first="Blake" last="Ellingson"], and [player_tooltip player_id="65562" first="Ryan" last="Mann"] have gotten the credit they deserved, but this county specifically seems to always have a ton of good players who seem to fly under the radar— so it’s my job to shine some light on the talent inhabiting this area. So without further ado, here are ten athletes from Lake County you may not know, but should. <h5></h5> <h5><em><strong>Kurt Heerdegen | TE | Grayslake C. ’22</strong></em></h5> The junior out of Grayslake Central thrives in the short-to-intermediate passing game, and at 6’4" 220lbs, he’s a big target and a security blanket for his QB. Heerdegen is such a superior athlete that his coach even uses him out of the backfield as a HB, and at his size, I can imagine he’s a load to bring down. Look for Heerdegen to be a staple in GLC’s offense for the coming years. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65813" first="Jalen" last="Handford"] | ATH | Warren ’22</strong></em></h5> The rich get richer as Handford will join an already stacked Warren Blue Devil team after transferring from Kenosha (WI) Bradford this offseason. Warren will be getting a versatile athlete they will be able to use in a multitude of ways, but he’ll likely spend most of his time at the LB position alongside top-ranked and North Dakota commit [player_tooltip player_id="20318" first="Malachi" last="McNeal"]. <h5><em><strong>Isaiah Nixon | ATH | Round Lake ’21</strong></em></h5> Nixon could possibly be one of Lake County’s best-kept secrets. He’s like a combination of three different players wrapped in one. You’re looking for a QB who can manage the game and hurt you with his arm or feet–Nixon’s got you covered. You need a RB who’s a creative runner with elite vision–Nixon’s got you covered. Or do you need a WR who can line up in the slot or out wide and create separation with smooth route running–you guessed it, Nixon’s got you covered.  He’s just an explosive athlete with tremendous upside that plays the game at an often unmatched speed. Expect Nixon to turn some heads this spring season. <h5><em><strong>Max Mauer | ATH | Highland Park ’21</strong></em></h5> Mauer can have an impact on both sides of the ball at the next level, but in my opinion, his true calling is on defense. He reminds me a lot of Adam Archuleta in the way he’s not afraid to come up and lay the boom. He’s a tackling machine who seems to always find himself around the ball. He’s athletic enough to cover the field from sideline-to-sideline and has the ball skills to consistently make plays on the ball. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="157996" first="Joey" last="Neumann"] | TE | Antioch ’23</strong></em></h5> Neumann is another talented athlete in Illinois’ heralded c/o ’23 who has yet to scratch the surface of his true potential. His talents were recently on display with the Midwest BOOM at the Pylon 7on7 tournament in Orlando, where he showed he was more than capable of holding his own with the talent in attendance. He’s a long 6’4" with a catch radius that most pass-catchers dream about. Displays a good set of hands and has a knack for getting open. I might be speaking too soon, but I believe Joey has Power 5 potential written all over him. <h5><em><strong>Joshua Sears | RT | Libertyville ’22</strong></em></h5> Sears is by far one of the top offensive linemen in Lake County and could potentially be tops in his class when it’s all said and done. He’s equally effective against both the pass and the run. Keeps defenders in front of him, knows how to sustain and finish off his blocks, and is very good at pulling on the run. Plays with a mean streak that is necessary when in the trenches. <h5><em><strong>Christopher Dawson | LB | Deerfield ’21</strong></em></h5> Chris Dawson’s junior season was off the charts. Out of his 208 tackles 147 of them were solo, which ranks as one of the best single-season totals in IHSA history. That’s going to be one tough act to follow as he prepares for his senior campaign. This kid is a tackling machine and one of the most disruptive LBs in the state. You don’t accidentally stumble upon 208 tackles in a season, that right there is a testament to his understanding of the LB position. He scrapes down the line well with good balance and you’ll rarely catch him flat-footed. He’s a big-hitter and is relentless in the pursuit of the ball-carrier. <h5><em><strong>Kyndel McKnight | QB | North Chicago ’21</strong></em></h5> McKnight is an intriguing prospect who I wish had the opportunity to have a full season to showcase his skills. The 6’2" dual-threat transfer from Zion-Benton will take over as the QB1 for the North Chicago Warhawks. McKnight doesn’t lack any confidence, has an improved throwing motion from last season, and with the option being integrated back into the Warhawks’ offense, McKnight will have plenty of opportunities to show off his athleticism and creative running abilities. I look for him to emerge as one of the top QBs in the Northern Lake County Conference. <h5><em><strong>Aryan Mansharamani | RT | Stevenson ’21</strong></em></h5> Mansharamani brings a ton of athleticism and upside to the LT position. I would consider him a mauler that excels in drive-blocking defenders backward once he gets locked on. Has sneaky-good footwork, which allows him to stay in front of his opponent. Plays with a mean streak and consistently finishes off his blocks.