Freshmen That I’d Offer Right Now
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The state of Illinois’ 2026 class is loaded with talent. The prospects featured in this piece have already begun to stand out and I believe are worthy of a scholarship offer. They’re young and some are a bit raw, but…
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Continue ReadingThe state of Illinois’ 2026 class is loaded with talent. The prospects featured in this piece have already begun to stand out and I believe are worthy of a scholarship offer. They’re young and some are a bit raw, but their upside is evident. I believe they each have the size, athleticism, and God-given ability of a division one ball player. I would not be shocked if we saw some of their offer lists grow fairly quickly between now and week one of the season.
As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!
QB: Jonas Williams Jonas Williams 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Bolingbrook | 2026 State IL Bolingbrook
The clear number-one overall player in Illinois’ 2026 class. Williams has a cannon for an arm, he can make just about every throw off-platform, his feet & arm are in-sync and he shows exceptional touch on throws of thirty yards plus.
OL: Jaquarius Green Jaquarius Green 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Peoria | 2026 State IL Peoria
Green has the size, body control, and pure strength of a big-time offensive line prospect. He’s got hands like bricks and does a good job rolling his hips & punching on a rise on contact.
DL: Jaden Weaver Jaden Weaver 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Carl Sandburg | 2026 State IL Sandburg
Shows natural change of direction on counter moves, a great get-off, and is beyond slippery at the point of attack. This young man is extremely disruptive and can sit back & anchor down against opposing double teams.
LB: Leon Howard Leon Howard 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB East St. Louis | 2026 State IL East St. Louis
Primarily a special teams player for the Flyers 2022 state championship team, but showed outstanding top-end speed, the ability to tackle in space, and terrific range. Look for his production to skyrocket this fall.
TE: JC Anderson JC Anderson 6'7" | 230 lbs | TE Mt. Zion | 2026 State IL Mt. Zion
A total mismatch on just about every defender. Anderson has soft hands, shows no hesitation going over the middle, and knows how to use his body as a weapon.
WR: Zachary Washington Zachary Washington 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Wheaton St. Francis | 2026 State IL St. Francis
A fluid route runner that can separate against man coverage and easily tracks the deep ball. Washington has deceptive build-up speed and can make defenders miss after the catch.
OL: Rico Schrieber Rico Schrieber 6'7" | 325 lbs | OL Marist | 2026 State IL Marist
A massive human that moves exceptionally well for a man his size and plays with an attitude. Rico has the balance, power, toughness, and footwork you look for in an offensive line prospect.
WR: Kai Owens Kai Owens 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Carmel Catholic | 2026 State IL Carmel
Owens plucks the football out of the air, catches everything within the framework of his body, and looks to get vertical following a reception. This is a possession-type receiver that has a frame he can grow into and has noticeable burst after the catch.