Lake County: Eleven Pass Catchers You Need to Know

Tucked between Chicago and Wisconsin is Lake County, an area that has always been a hotbed for talent that is grossly slept on for some reason. Lake County's '21 class featured more than five pass-catchers who received offers to play ball at the next level, which is not a bad number given how small Lake County is. And after doing some careful evaluation, I think we'll see the same if not more pass catchers from this area receive offers when it's all said and done this season. So without further ado, let's dive in and get to know my top pass catchers from Lake County. <hr /> <h5></h5> <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65731" first="Jake" last="Pieper"] | WR | Vernon Hills</strong></em></h5> Pieper’s role on the Vernon Hills Cougars is all-encompassing. You can find him lining up at running back, throwing touchdowns from the quarterback position, covering the field as a defensive back, but a slot receiver is where he projects best at the next level. He has a good feel for the game and displays a knack for getting open—a creative runner who is a major threat in the catch-and-run game. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65730" first="Luke" last="Jones"] | WR | Deerfield</strong></em></h5> Jones is the cream of the crop as it pertains to Lake County’s pass-catchers. Has great hands, deceptive moves, and is excellent after the catch, which comes as no surprise once you see him return punts. Currently holds an offer from the University of South Dakota and a PWO from the University of Iowa. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118995" first="Nolan" last="Wiley"] | WR|  Libertyville ’22</strong></em></h5> If any prospect on this list is primed for a breakout season it’s [player_tooltip player_id="118995" first="Nolan" last="Wiley"]. He’s got a skill set that allows him to be a threat in all three levels of the passing game, but his ability to track the ball and go deep is why I believe he’s one of the best deep threats in Lake County. Has quick feet, which allow for seamless transitions in and out of his breaks along with being able to create separation from the defensive back. Expect big things this season from the senior wideout out of Libertyville. <h5><em><strong>Nathan Atwell | WR | Grayslake North ’22</strong></em></h5> Atwell enjoyed a productive spring season as one of Grayslake North’s leading receivers. He’s sure-handed and does a good job of getting open underneath and is capable of going deep. But from what I’ve seen, he’s a possession receiver who moves the chains and does most of his damage in the intermediate passing attack. At 6’2", Atwell has the height to go over the top of smaller defensive backs making him a viable target in the red zone. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="157996" first="Joey" last="Neumann"] | WR/TE | Antioch ’23</strong></em></h5> Nuemann was ranked as the #3 tight end in our last 2023 rankings update, but I wouldn’t be surprised when it’s all said and done if he finds his way to that top spot—he’s that good. Neumann is every bit of 6’4″ and is an intriguing prospect with a ton of upside. Has a good release off the line and his long strides allow him to glide past defensive backs and be a major threat in the vertical passing game. His size and huge catch radius make it almost impossible to contain him in the red zone. <h5><em><strong>Shameer Wilkie | WR | Highland Park ’22</strong></em></h5> Wilkie is an exceptional talent at the receiver position and is also an electric return man. With the upside he possesses and a full season ahead of him to showcase his abilities, he could very well be recognized as one of the top players in Lake County. Has game-changing breakaway speed and can accelerate from 0-60 in a blink of an eye. He’s a natural runner of the football who can pile up the YAC from the receiver position. <h5><em><strong>Kurt Heerdegen | TE | Grayslake Central ’22</strong></em></h5> Heerdegen is a complete package at the tight end position and is one of the fastest-rising prospects in Lake County. He’s a matchup nightmare at 6’4" 220lbs who can line up in the slot or out wide. Displays good receiving skills and is bigger than most defensive backs; his size coupled with his athleticism makes him a tough cover whenever a linebacker is matched up against him. Heerdegen is also solid blocker who at times can operate as another lineman if need be. <h5><em><strong>Kaiden Miller | WR | Grayslake Central ’23</strong></em></h5> Miller was a varsity contributor as a sophomore and should see an expanded role in the Rams’ offense as he heads into his junior season. Did most of his work in the short-to-intermediate areas while flashing some ability to go over the top as a deep threat. <h5><em><strong>Dean Chisolm | WR | Lakes ’23</strong></em></h5> [player_tooltip player_id="65238" first="Branden" last="Nava"] was Lakes’ All-Area receiver for the past two years; now the he has graduated and is set to play ball at the next level, Chisolm finds himself with an opportunity to carve out a role as Lakes’ primarily receiver. Chisolm is quick, fast, and shifty, so getting open won’t be a problem, and once the ball is in his hands, he turns into a running back who is more than capable of going the distance. He’s also a good return man who can flip the field and consistently give his team good field position. <h5><em><strong>Jon Buckley | WR | Carmel ’22</strong></em></h5> Buckley is a new addition to my radar, but from here on out, he’s a prospect I’ll be keeping tabs on as we head into the new season. He’s a savvy, sure-handed receiver who possesses the speed to get by his opponent, making him a consistent target for the deep ball. Makes tough contested catches and does a pretty good job of piling up the YAC. <h5><em><strong>Carl Strawder | WR| Zion-Benton '22</strong></em></h5> Strawder has the speed and quicks to eat up a defensive back's cushion in an instant. His versatility allows him to play over-the-top, underneath, in the slot, or out wide and he's a pretty good route-runner who can create separation with the best of them. I think we have yet to see the best of Strawder, and hopefully with a full season of him, he'll finally be able to showcase his talents and put the state on notice.